What is Cervical Stenosis? | Jeffrey Cantor, MD
Jeffrey Cantor, MD, Board Certified Spine Surgeon・2 minutes read
Cervical stenosis, a common issue in older individuals, can lead to quadriplegia and severe consequences due to spinal cord compression caused by bone growth. Understanding the severity of stenosis, monitoring symptoms, and opting for early surgical intervention when necessary can improve outcomes and reduce the need for additional surgeries in the long run.
Insights
- Cervical stenosis, characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal due to factors like bone growth, can lead to severe consequences such as quadriplegia in individuals over 65, highlighting the importance of understanding this condition's impact on mobility and dexterity.
- Surgical intervention for cervical stenosis causing cord damage, especially when symptoms like dexterity issues, balance problems, and pain are present, yields better outcomes than non-surgical approaches, emphasizing the critical role of early treatment in reducing risks and improving patient prognosis.
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Recent questions
What is cervical stenosis?
Cervical stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck due to factors like bone growth or cholesterol buildup, potentially leading to severe consequences like quadriplegia.
How is cervical stenosis diagnosed?
Cervical stenosis is diagnosed through MRI scans, which show a pinched spinal cord within the neck's canal, indicating potential issues with mobility and dexterity.
What are the symptoms of cervical stenosis?
Symptoms of cervical stenosis vary, ranging from no symptoms to severe pain, depending on the location of bone growth and nerve root compression, potentially leading to issues like stumbling, falling, and loss of dexterity.
When is surgery recommended for cervical stenosis?
Surgery for cervical stenosis is recommended when symptoms like dexterity issues, balance problems, and pain are present, especially if myelopathy (cord damage) is detected, as surgical intervention yields better outcomes than non-surgical approaches.
How has technology improved cervical stenosis surgeries?
Ultrasonic technology has revolutionized cervical stenosis surgeries by allowing precise nerve decompression without damaging surrounding tissues, reducing the need for fusions and leading to better long-term outcomes with lower chances of additional surgeries.
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