Cervical spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the canals that the spinal cord and the spinal nerves run through. Spinal stenosis is usually caused by arthritis, a herniated disk or spinal tumors, according to the Mayo Clinic. Narrowing of the canals can put pressure on nerves causing pain in the neck, shoulders, arms or hands. In addition, Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, states that cervical nerve compression can also cause numbness, cramping or weakness in the upper extremities. There are different methods for achieving relief from the pain of cervical spinal stenosis.
Conservative Pain Relief
Step 1
Apply an ice pack to the area that is causing you the most discomfort. Place the ice pack over the painful area for 20 minutes. Remove the ice pack from the area for 20 minutes. Place an ice pack on your upper neck if application directly on the painful area is ineffective. Repeat this process several times a day as tolerated.
Step 2
Apply a heating pad to the painful areas 48 to 72 hours after the onset of pain. Place the heating pad on your neck if applying it to the painful area---shoulder, arms or hands---does not give you relief. Use your warm pack or heating pad on the lowest setting to prevent skin burns. Alternate between cold and warm packs if you continue to have pain.
Step 3
Perform light neck stretches, only if you have arthritis or a herniated disk as a cause of your neck pain. Stretch often while sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Step 4
Take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation along the spinal nerves. Read the labels on each medication and use as directed. Avoid taking too much medication to avoid serious side effects.
Step 5
Use correct posture when sitting at a computer, driving, eating or watching television.
Step 6
Sleep with a thick, firm pillow to keep your neck in line with your shoulders.
Aggressive Pain Relief
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with your physician if conservative treatments are not providing relief. Follow your doctor's plan to take prescription medications, such as anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants.
Step 2
Consider an epidural steroid injection to treat your pain. Tell your doctor about other steroid medications you are taking. Tell your doctor if previous epidural steroid injections have been effective in treating your symptoms.
Step 3
Discuss surgical options with your doctor if you have severe degenerative disease, trauma, spinal or spinal nerve tumor or other more severe causes. Ask your doctor about the success rates of surgical procedures and inquire about possible complications and long-term effects of each particular surgery.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not apply an ice pack directly to your skin to avoid injury. Seek immediate medical treatment if your pain is related to trauma that is acute or extreme.
Things You'll Need
- Ice pack
- Heating pad
