With age and normal wear and tear the discs that are located between the vertebra in your spine start to lose their fluid. This results in a loss of space between the vertebra. When this happens you may be diagnosed with arthritis of the spine or degenerative disc disease. This condition can remain mild or progress to the point that the spinal canal narrows. A narrowing of any part of the spinal canal is called spinal stenosis. If this happens in the neck it is called cervical stenosis. This condition can lead to a variety of symptoms. You and your doctor should discuss the various treatments for cervical stenosis to find the right approach for you.
Physical Therapy
In some cases cervical stenosis remains mild and may respond to conservative treatment such as physical therapy, states the University of Virginia School of Medicine. You may need to rest and immobilize the area at first to allow any inflammation to calm down. Your physical therapist will then teach you exercises to keep the neck muscles strong and flexible. He can also suggest modalities such as ice, heat, ultrasound or electrical stimulation to help manage your symptoms. It may take about six to eight weeks of therapy before you notice a difference. You will need to incorporate a life long program of exercise to help maintain range of motion and strength. In addition, your therapist can teach you about good body mechanics and postural habits that can help to reduce neck strain when you are working at a computer or during other everyday activities.
Medication
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, if your cervical stenosis is not too severe you may get relief though conservative methods. Your doctor can prescribe pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants. You may only need to take these medications for short periods or when your symptoms flare up. If your symptoms are chronic you may need medication on a regular basis. If you do not respond to oral medications, a cortisone injection that delivers the medication right to the site of the injury may help.
Surgery
If your cervical stenosis causes severe symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling and does not respond to conservative treatment, you may need surgery. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the goal of surgery is to remove any pressure on the spinal cord and nearby nerves by opening the spinal column. This includes a laminectomy where the back portion of the affected vertebra is removed to create more space. Another option is a corpectomy in which the damaged vertebra are removed and replaced with a bone graft. Your doctor will use X-rays and MRIs to help determine the extent of the damage and which surgical option is best.
