Cervical Stenosis Treatment

Cervical Stenosis is a condition where the space within your spinal canal narrows, which can put pressure on the spinal cord.
At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our specialised treatment aims to:

What is Cervical Stenosis?

Cervical stenosis is where the space within the spinal canal is reduced in your neck. The reduced space can irritate or compress the spinal cord. Symptoms can vary from none at all to pins and needles, numbness, headaches, pain or weakness in the neck, arms and/or back. The area affected depends on the level of the stenosis in your neck.

Question mark

What are the causes?

Some people are born with a narrow spinal canal, while for others something needs to have happened to narrow the space. Other causes may be:

  • Ageing – most people who have cervical stenosis are over 50 years of age.  Natural wear and tear can affect the anatomical structure of the neck leading to stenosis
  • Over Growth of Bone – wear and tear can put pressure on the vertebrae causing them to grow more bone and sometimes forming spurs, also known as osteophtyes. These osteophytes can develop in the spinal canal reducing the space.
  • Herniated Disc – As we age the soft tissue between the vertebrae dry out.  They in turn can crack causing the soft inner material to escape (herniate) and press on the spinal cord.
  • Thickened Ligaments – The tough cords that help hold the bones of your spine together can become stiff and thickened over time. These thickened ligaments can bulge into the spinal canal.
  • Tumours – Abnormal growths can form inside the spinal canal.  These are uncommon and are detected via MRI or CT Scans.
  • Spinal Injuries – Trauma or car accidents can cause fractures, dislocations or swelling of the spine, which may lead to pressure on the spinal cord.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usual develop gradually over a long period of time.

  • Pain in the neck and/or arms
  • Sudden pain – shooting, severe, burning and/or aching
  • Tingling (similar to pins and needles sensations)
  • Numbness (complete or just a decreased sensation)
  • Muscle/limb weakness or clumsiness in the arm, hand, leg or foot
  • Muscle spasm, tightness or cramping
  • Loss of or abnormal reflexes
  • Loss of function in the hands, difficulty doing up buttons or writing
  • Problems with walking and balance
  • In severe cases – bowel or bladder dysfunction (urinary urgency & incontinence)
Neck Pain
Treatment

Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

It is common for people with Cervical Stenosis to reduce exercise to help with pain, however this is counter productive as you also lose strength and increase pain in the long run. Physiotherapy is an effective way to reduce pain and improve mobility with cervical stenosis. Timely diagnosis and treatment can be vital to improve your long term out look on life.

At Vitalis Physiotherapy, treatment is aimed at stabilising the spinal column and using exercise to unload the neck and spine. This is done through:

  • Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
  • Joint mobilisation
  • Heat therapy
  • Taping
  • A tailored home exercise program
  • Graded Exposure to load program

Anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic medication, rest and heat packs may help some of the symptoms.

Rarely, untreated severe spinal stenosis may progress and cause permanent:

  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Balance problems
  • Incontinence
  • Paralysis

How to book an appointment?

If you think you have cervical stenosis, or are looking for a physiotherapist near me, the team at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.

All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.

You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.

Call

Need Help?

Are you suffering from painful cervical stenosis? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment.

Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.

Contact us for more information on treatment

Contact Us

null

Address

Sinnamon Park Village

3/58 Oldfield Road, Sinnamon Park Qld 4073

null

Give Us A Call