Cervical Stenosis

Symptoms

Symptoms range from neck and arm pain to hand numbness or weakness. When the spinal cord is affected, patients may notice hand clumsiness, dropping objects, balance difficulty, leg stiffness, or changes in walking.

Diagnosis

The examination looks closely at hand function, reflexes, strength, sensation, and gait. MRI shows the spinal cord and soft-tissue narrowing; standing X-rays and CT may clarify alignment, motion, or bony anatomy.

Treatment options

For nerve-root symptoms without cord dysfunction, medication, therapy, activity changes, and selected injections may help. These measures can reduce symptoms, although they do not physically enlarge a severely narrowed canal.

When surgery is considered

Surgery is considered when spinal cord compression causes myelopathy, neurologic function is declining, or persistent nerve symptoms remain limiting despite a thoughtful nonsurgical course. The approach depends on alignment, stability, and where the compression lies.

When to seek care promptly

Hand clumsiness, worsening balance, leg stiffness, or new difficulty walking deserve prompt evaluation — they can indicate myelopathy, which tends to progress.