Cervical Stenosis Treatment in Sinnamon Park

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
• 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.

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:

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:

• Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
• Joint mobilisation
• Heat therapy
• Taping
• A tailored home exercise program
• Graded Exposure to load program
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Balance problems
• Incontinence
• Paralysis