Spinal stenosis in the neck - also referred to as cervical spinal stenosis - can be more than just a "pain in the neck." In fact, the condition often causes pain and discomfort in seemingly unrelated areas of the body, such as the hands and fingers. Those who have been diagnosed with the condition can benefit from learning about its causes and various treatments.

Anatomy of the Spine

In order to thoroughly understand what spinal stenosis in the neck is and why it causes certain symptoms, it is first necessary to have a clear understanding of the various anatomical components of the spine. The parts of the spine that are most commonly involved in and affected by the development of spinal stenosis in the neck include:

* Vertebrae - Vertebrae are the stacked bone segments that protect the spinal cord. Hollow openings in the vertebrae called vertebral foramina form the passageway through which the spinal cord travels. This channel is commonly referred to as the spinal canal.

* Facet joints - Vertebrae are connected to one another by their facet joints. These synovial joints are tasked with enabling the neck and back to bend, twist, and otherwise move.

* Intervertebral discs - Between each set of articulating vertebrae is an intervertebral disc. These saucer-shaped pads can be likened to shock absorbers in that they cushion the vertebrae and absorb the impact that is placed upon them. Discs have a tough outer wall called the annulus fibrosus, which houses a gelatinous center called the nucleus pulposus.

Causes of Spinal Stenosis in the Neck

As an individual ages, the vertebrae, facet joints, and intervertebral discs all undergo degenerative changes as a result of the constant stress they are placed under. These changes give way to degenerative spinal conditions, such as spinal arthritis, herniated discs, bulging discs, and the development of bone spurs. Each of these conditions can cause anatomical spinal debris to enter the vertebral foramina, causing a narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing is called spinal stenosis and it can lead to the compression of a spinal nerve or the spinal cord itself.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis in the Neck

Interestingly, many people who are afflicted with spinal stenosis in the neck are asymptomatic. This occurs when a narrowing of the spinal canal does not lead to neural compression. However, those who do experience symptoms as a result of spinal stenosis often have localized pain with radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness that travel along the length of the compressed nerve. Neural compression in the cervical spine can cause symptoms to appear in the neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, and/or hands.

Conservative Treatments

In most cases, physicians will treat the symptoms of spinal stenosis in the neck with conservative, nonsurgical techniques. Since each patient is unique with regard to their current level of health and the extent and severity of their symptoms, treatment regimens can vary from patient to patient. For this reason, it is crucial for those who suffer from spinal stenosis in the neck to seek the direction of a physician before utilizing any treatment.

Most patients will be advised to take over-the-counter medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesics. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs relieve pain and reduce inflammation by blocking the body's production of certain enzymes. While usually effective at relieving some of the symptoms caused by spinal stenosis in the neck, NSAIDs are typically not safe for those with cardiovascular or gastrointestinal conditions. Instead, these patients may be advised to take an analgesic like acetaminophen. Like all medications, however, acetaminophen is not safe for some individuals to take and long-term use can have negative effects on liver function.

In addition to medication, one of the most effective treatments for relieving the symptoms of spinal stenosis involves the integration of certain lifestyle changes, such as:

* Losing weight - Being overweight places excess strain on the spine, which can exacerbate the symptoms of spinal stenosis. Shedding excess pounds can relieve some of the pressure that is being placed on the affected spinal nerve.

* Quitting smoking - Using tobacco products can negatively affect more than just the lungs and cardiovascular system. In fact, carbon dioxide and the other harmful chemicals in tobacco products can wreak havoc on the spine as well by depriving it of essential nutrients.

* Becoming more physically active - A sedentary lifestyle can lead to a weakening of the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Following a regular exercise program can ensure these soft tissues are strong enough to support the spine, which in turn can sometimes help to relieve neural compression.

In many cases, physical therapy will be recommended for treating spinal stenosis in the neck. While many individuals think physical therapy only entails strength training, it can actually include other treatment methods as well. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or the introduction of low-voltage electrical currents via electrodes placed on the neck, can help some patients by blocking pain signals by stimulating neural structures. Hot/cold therapy, also called thermotherapy and cryotherapy, can relieve muscle tension and reduce inflammation, respectively. Other physical therapy techniques can include posture modification exercises, therapeutic ultrasound, and others.

Alternative Therapies for Spinal Stenosis in the Neck

Many individuals who experience chronic neck pain as a result of spinal stenosis use alternative medicine. Herbal supplements, chiropractic manipulation, deep tissue massage, and restorative yoga are all commonly utilized. Patients should consult their physician before they integrate alternative therapies into their doctor-recommended conservative treatment regimen.

Surgical Treatment

While most individuals are able to relieve their symptoms through the use of nonsurgical treatment, some may require decompression surgery to treat spinal stenosis in the neck. In the past, this meant patients had to undergo open spine surgery, which often requires the fusion of two vertebrae. These operations are performed under general anesthesia, through an incision that is several inches long and usually involves the dissection of the neck muscles. Because of the level of invasiveness of these operations, most patients are required to stay in the hospital for several days and rehabilitation is usually long and arduous. Additionally, patients can face a number of complications from open spine surgery, chief among them failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), or the worsening or continuation of symptoms following surgery. Many of those with FBSS will require additional surgery in the future.

Some patients may have the option to undergo a minimally invasive procedure instead of open spine surgery. These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and do not require spinal fusion. A very small incision - usually only one inch long - is made in the neck, through which the surgeon accesses the spine using an endoscope. The muscles in the neck are gently pushed aside rather than dissected, allowing patients to recover in a fraction of the time required to recover from open spine surgery. In fact, many patients are able to return to daily activities within a matter of weeks and some even experience immediate relief from the symptoms of spinal stenosis in the neck.

Those who are considering surgical treatment for spinal stenosis may want to ask their physician if they are a candidate for an endoscopic procedure. To learn more about the various risks and benefits associated with these procedures, patients should consult a spine specialist or other type of physician.