Cervical stenosis is a condition that affects the cervical or neck region of the spine. The condition occurs when the spinal canal which is located inside the vertebrae, becomes narrow causing compression or pinching of the spinal cord or nerves. Cervical stenosis can cause pain, weakness and numbness in the neck, arms and hands. While not all cases of cervical stenosis are serious some can lead to serious complications that require urgent medical attention. In this blog post, we will discuss when cervical stenosis is serious and what you can do to manage your symptoms.
Symptoms of Cervical Stenosis:
The symptoms of cervical stenosis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In the early stages you may experience mild neck pain and stiffness. As the condition progresses, you may notice weakness and numbness in your arms and legs. You may also experience a loss of coordination or difficulty in walking. In severe cases, cervical stenosis can lead to paralysis or permanent nerve damage.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. A chiropractor or physiotherapist can help relieve your symptoms through non-invasive cervical stenosis treatments such as spinal adjustment, massage, and physiotherapy. However, if your symptoms are severe, or you have lost bladder or bowel function, you may require surgery to decompress the spinal cord and prevent further damage.
Risk Factors:
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing cervical stenosis. These factors include degenerative changes in the spine, inherited spinal conditions, previous spinal injuries, and spinal tumors. If you have any of these risk factors, it is essential to speak to your doctor about cervical stenosis and take appropriate preventive measures.
Preventive Measures:
To prevent cervical stenosis, it is essential to maintain proper posture, exercise regularly to strengthen your neck and back muscles, and avoid repetitive neck movements that can cause strain. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, consider taking breaks frequently to stretch or walk around. You should also seek prompt medical attention if you experience any symptoms of cervical stenosis. Incorporating exercises that are good for cervical stenosis can also play an essential role in improving flexibility, reducing pain, and supporting long-term recovery.
Cervical stenosis can cause significant discomfort and lead to serious complications if left untreated. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of the condition. A Kitchener Waterloo chiropractor or physiotherapist at CARESPACE can help relieve your symptoms through non-invasive treatments and promote the natural healing of cervical stenosis. However, if your symptoms are severe, you may require surgery to decompress the spinal cord, especially when cervical stenosis is hard to heal. To prevent cervical stenosis, it is essential to maintain proper posture, exercise regularly, and avoid repetitive neck movements that can cause strain. By taking these preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of developing cervical stenosis and lead a healthy, pain-free life.
To see the bigger picture of this condition and its effects, visit our complete cervical stenosis guide.
