Canal Narrowing in the Neck Spine 

What is canal narrowing in the neck spine?

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Narrowing of the canal in the neck (Cervical spinal stenosis) is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. The spinal canal is an empty space surrounded by the bones of the spine. The spinal cord is a collection of nerves that start at the base of the lower hindbrain and run through the spinal canal. These nerves; It allows us to feel, move, and control bowel, bladder, and other bodily functions. Canal stenosis in the neck spine narrows the spinal canal and can compress the nerve roots and spinal cord from the spine, causing damage to the spinal cord and neck nerves. The seven vertebrae between the head and the thorax make up the cervical spine. Compressing the nerves and spinal cord in the cervical region; can change the functioning of the spinal cord. This situation; may cause pain in the neck, arms and legs, stiff neck muscles, numbness or weakness. It can also affect the control of your bowels and bladder.

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How is the narrowing of the canal in the neck spine?

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Cervical spinal stenosis is usually caused by age-related changes in the shape and size of the spinal canal and is therefore most common in people older than 50 years of age. The aging process can cause the "disks to bulge" - the spongy discs in between. The bones of the spine protrude more than normal or the thickening of the tissues connecting the bones (  ties  ). Aging also means that the tissues lining the bones (  cartilage  ) and overgrowth of bones in joints. These conditions can narrow the spinal canal (spinal stenosis).

In rare cases, the spinal canal narrows from birth due to the way bones are formed.

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What are the symptoms of canal narrowing in the neck spine?

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Many people over the age of 50 have some narrowing of the spinal canal, but do not show symptoms. Narrowing of the canal in the neck does not cause symptoms unless the spinal cord or nerves are severely compressed. Symptoms develop gradually, usually over a long period of time and may include:

• Stiffness, pain, numbness or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands or legs.

• Balance and coordination problems such as tangling or staggering may occur while walking.  Spinal cord  if damaged, it can cause severe permanent paralysis.

• Loss of bowel or bladder control (urinary and bowel incontinence).

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How is canal narrowing in the neck spine diagnosed?

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Diagnosis in neck spine canal narrowing; It is usually based on symptoms, history, and physical examination. Your doctor will ask you if neck movements are causing pain, numbness, or weakness. If a narrowing of the canal in the neck spine is suspected, your doctor will recommend imaging tests of your neck and back to confirm the diagnosis and see what is causing the narrowing of the spinal canal. Among the imaging tests that can be used  x-ray  , magnetic resonance imaging (  MRI  ) and computed tomography (  CT  ) scans are included. Your doctor may diagnose multiple sclerosis (as the cause of the symptoms).  MS  ) and  Vitamin B12 deficiency  may request the results of tests, including imaging and blood tests, to rule out other diseases such as

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How is narrowing of the canal in the neck spine treated?

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In cases of mild canal narrowing; It is usually recommended with medication to relieve pain, exercise and physical therapy to restore muscle strength. If the symptoms are severe, you have progressive weakness in your muscles, or if imaging studies of your spine show that your spinal cord or nerves are severely compressed; your doctor to relieve pressure on the nerves and spinal cord  decompressive surgery  can suggest. This surgery can be done from the front or back of the neck. It is a surgical technique that involves the removal of some disc, bone and/or tissue that is pressing on the nerve roots. The vertebrae are often surgically removed to provide stability to the spine.  by merging  )  are combined  .

Canal narrowing in the neck spine can cause potentially serious problems with the nervous system, including problems with bowel or bladder control (incontinence) and permanent loss of strength and feeling in the arms, hands, legs, and chest. 

Dr. Tamer Tekin