Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck region, causing pressure on the spinal cord (myelopathy) or nerve roots (radiculopathy). It develops with age due to disc degeneration, bone spurs, and ligament thickening. Untreated spinal cord compression can lead to permanent damage.
What Is Cervical Spinal Stenosis?
Symptoms of Cervical Stenosis
Myelopathy Symptoms (Spinal Cord Compression)
- Hand clumsiness: Difficulty buttoning, writing
- Walking difficulty: Unsteady, wide-based gait
- Balance loss: Especially noticeable in darkness
- Spasticity: Leg stiffness and rigidity
- Bladder problems: Frequent urination, incontinence
- Lhermitte's sign: Electric sensation down back and legs when bending neck forward
Radiculopathy Symptoms (Nerve Root Compression)
- Radiating arm pain: Pain to shoulder, arm, and fingers
- Numbness: Sensory loss in specific dermatome distribution
- Weakness: Arm muscle weakness
Risk Factors
- Age: More common over 50
- Congenital narrow canal: Naturally narrow structure from birth
- Occupational factors: Jobs with intensive neck movements
- Trauma history: Neck injuries
- Genetic predisposition: Family history
Diagnosis
- Neurological examination: Reflexes, motor strength, sensation, gait
- Cervical MRI: Spinal cord compression, myelomalacia assessment
- CT myelography: Bone details and dynamic stenosis
- EMG: Nerve damage degree
- Somatosensory evoked potentials: Spinal cord conduction assessment
Treatment
Conservative Treatment
For mild symptoms and stable condition:
- Physical therapy and neck exercises
- Collar use (short-term)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Activity modification
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is required for myelopathy signs, progressive neurological loss, or severe stenosis:
Anterior Approach
- ACDF: Discectomy and fusion (1-3 levels)
- Corpectomy: Vertebral body removal and fusion
Posterior Approach
- Laminectomy: Decompression by removing lamina
- Laminoplasty: Open-door technique to widen the canal
- Posterior fusion: Screw stabilization if instability exists
Combined Approach
Surgery from both front and back for severe multilevel stenosis.
Post-Operative Care
- Hospital stay: 2-5 days
- Collar: 2-6 weeks (depending on surgery)
- Physical therapy: After 4-6 weeks
- Return to work: 4-8 weeks
Prognosis
Good outcomes are achieved with early surgical intervention. Improvement potential decreases as myelopathy symptom duration increases. Treatment should not be delayed when spinal cord compression symptoms are present.
Why Choose Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk?
Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk has comprehensive experience in cervical stenosis and myelopathy treatment. He specializes in ACDF, laminoplasty, and complex cervical surgery.
Spinal Cord Compression Requires Urgent Attention
Get evaluated without delay if you experience hand clumsiness or walking difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can myelopathy improve?
Symptoms can improve with surgery in early stages. In advanced stages, the goal is to stop progression.
Is surgery dangerous?
Cervical surgery is safe in experienced hands. Risks are minimized with intraoperative neuromonitoring.
Will my neck move after surgery?
Laminoplasty preserves neck motion. Motion loss in fusion surgery varies by levels.
Other Treatments
Spine Surgery
Surgical treatment of spine and spinal cord diseases
Deformity Surgery
Deformity surgery is the surgical correction of scoliosis, kyphosis, and spinal imbalance. Effective treatment is achieved with modern techniques and implants. Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk's expertise in complex deformity surgery.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive technique performed through an 8 mm incision. Same-day discharge and rapid recovery are possible for lumbar and cervical disc herniations. Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk's endoscopic surgery expertise.
Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Peripheral nerve surgery treats nerve compressions, injuries, and tumors. Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and nerve tumors are treated surgically. Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk's nerve surgery expertise.
Reviewed by: Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk, Neurosurgeon
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