What are the side effects of cervical spinal stenosis?
Symptoms of neck (cervical) spinal stenosis include:
- Neck pain.
- Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, leg or foot.
- Weakness or clumsiness in the arm, hand, leg or foot.
- Problems with balance.
- Loss of function in hands, like having problems writing or buttoning shirts.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases).
What is the difference between cervical stenosis and spinal stenosis?
Cervical spinal stenosis is the name for spinal stenosis in the neck. It can be far more dangerous by compressing the spinal cord. The condition may lead to serious symptoms, which can include major body weakness or paralysis.
What are the symptoms of cervical spine problems?
One of the main symptoms of a cervical spine disorder is neck pain. You may also have pain in the head, jaw, shoulders, arms, or legs, as well as numbness and weakness. Other problems include impaired coordination or balance, difficulty breathing, or loss of bowel and bladder control.
How serious is cervical spinal stenosis?
Cervical spinal stenosis can potentially cause 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.
Does cervical stenosis cause fatigue?
Spinal stenosis is a manageable condition, but you may experience chronic fatigue because of its overall effects. Most times, adjustments to your lifestyle can be enough to treat fatigue. However, a certain amount of tiredness is to be expected, especially if you’re an older patient.
What causes cervical stenosis to flare up?
The most common cause of cervical stenosis among older patients is osteoarthritis. In arthritis, changes in the spine joints can cause the canal to become narrower. Sometimes, bony growths called spurs form along the edge of spine bones.
How does cervical stenosis affect the legs?
With cervical spinal stenosis, it’s common to feel numbness or tingling on one side of your body in your hand, arm, or leg. If left untreated, the tingling can turn into weakness in the arm or leg, and make it hard for you to balance.
