Cervical stenosis is a condition that affects the neck and spine. This condition happens when the spinal canal in the neck narrows putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Cervical stenosis can cause severe pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. It’s essential to get the right treatment for cervical stenosis to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best ways to treat cervical stenosis including physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
Physiotherapy for cervical stenosis
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for cervical stenosis. A physiotherapist can help you strengthen your neck muscles and improve your posture. They may prescribe exercises that can relieve your symptoms and improve spinal alignment. Physiotherapy can also help improve your overall range of motion. It can be an excellent option especially if your pain isn’t severe.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care involves adjustments to the spine to correct the alignment. The objective of this treatment is to reduce pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Chiropractors use various techniques, such as spinal manipulation, mobilization, and decompression therapy, to help relieve the symptoms of cervical stenosis. This treatment can help with pain and stiffness and improve the range of motion. However, it’s essential to consult with your doctor to determine the feasibility of chiropractic care for your specific condition.
Medications
Medication can be an effective treatment for cervical stenosis. Doctors may prescribe over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to help with pain and reduce inflammation. Prescription medications, such as muscle relaxants, can also be helpful in relaxing the neck muscles and reducing pain. However, medication alone isn’t usually sufficient to manage cervical stenosis.
Rest and Avoidance of Physical Activities
Resting is an essential part of cervical stenosis treatment. Rest can help reduce nerve pressure and ease the pain. Avoiding physically demanding activities that may exacerbate your symptoms is also crucial. Sudden movements or carrying heavy loads can worsen your condition, so it’s essential to rest and engage in activities that don’t put too much strain on your neck and spine.
Surgery
Surgery is the last resort when other treatments have failed. In severe cases of cervical stenosis, an operation might be necessary. The surgeon will perform a decompression surgery, which typically involves removing the bone or tissue that’s pressing on the spinal cord or nerves. Surgery is usually reserved for more severe cases when conservative treatments have failed.
Cervical stenosis is a severe condition that can cause pain, tingling, and weakness in the neck and spine. Fortunately, various treatment options, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, medications, rest, and surgery, can help alleviate symptoms. It’s essential to consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment for your condition. A combination of treatments may be necessary to manage cervical stenosis and improve your quality of life.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
