Cervical Spine Stenosis - A Complete Guide

[@kursatoner6347]

Best explanation ever in the net.

[@alannathans2879]

Epidurals are a band aid. You say they are not. It temporarily reduces inflammation similar to any other anti inflammatory. Seems you contradict yourself misleading info. Steroids erode healthy tissue. Look it up for yourself. This info is the old way

[@alfred576]

This is the BEST video that I have seen so far on the cervical spine. Doctor Cooper has explained that whole thing very well in a very easy way to understand. Thank you! I am in Australia and have been suffering from very painful symptoms at my left C5, C6, C7 and C8 nerves since Aug 2022. My MRI shows severe bilateral foraminal stenosis at the C7 facet joints . In August 2023 I flew to Florida to have my C5-C6, C6-C7 discs repaired by Dr Ara Deukmedjian using his minimally invasive disc repair laser technology. He also performed bilateral rhizothomies of C5-C6, C6-C7, C7-T1. When I woke up I had developed a dropped head, excruciating pain which has been getting worse in the last 3 months. A lump appeared at my C6/C7 which was not there before. I feel burning, tightness, ongoing spasms, shooting of pain from the neck to arms, fingers, legs and feet, pins and needles in the toes. It is very hard to manage this amount of pain. I wish I never got this kind of surgery.

[@janisripple754]

Sorry to 😢 here your experience life is hard and who is trustworthy .

[@kunal4076]

I hope you are doing good now than before.

[@pablodelira1047]

Hello I got same situation Is horrible 😢 Iam tired,, Are taken any medication

[@alfred576]

@@pablodelira1047 I have taken the usual opiois and neuropathic medications. They caused othe rproblems. I stopped taking all meds since March 2024 according to my new neurosurgeon. He told be to exercise daily to strengthen my body. The endorfins should attenuate the pain.

[@MaryannCin]

Im going to have ACDF surgery in 3 weeks to fuse C5-7 with cage. This video has been extremely helpful. I now have a better understanding what to expect. Many thanks for this informative video.

[@collingwood42]

Definitely the best video I’ve found explaining all of this - he even did a way better job than the surgeon I’ve seen… thank you ❤️

[@itslara22]

SLAY THE DAY AWAY

[@DeepikaAggarwal-i3k]

This was a really wonderful explanation😊😊

[@marcob.7801]

Thank you. Great information explained in a reasonable and comprehensive way! I have been watching videos all weekend as I have had MRI and X ray evaluations of severe bilateral foraminal stenosis @ C5-6 and C6-7 as well as cervical myelopathy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. And frankly, after watching ALL of them by multiple degreed, experienced surgeons; yours was the most comprehensive! Kudos and thank you again!

[@zKaizen8]

Is your both arms and hands numb all the time?

[@marcob.7801]

NO, not ALL the time. When I am inactive (watching TV, etc.) it is annoying and fairly evident. However, this tends to lessen the more I move about. I do get the "pins and needles" in my hands {bottom of fingers from tips to my palms) and the same with my feet. You need to see a CERVICAL SPINE ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON! Actually see several. I have gotten 3 different opinions regarding short, medium and even longer term treatment/surgical options. Good luck. @@zKaizen8

[@cincinmoon]

I agree

[@aboundlessdrop]

Please keep making these incredible videos!

[@PrincetonSpineJointCenter]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it. More videos on the way :)

[@matchpoint14]

This guys seems honest and caring. I would visit him if he were in my state

[@helensmith7177]

Wonderful explanation! I truly believe that I am still upright and mobile due to the talented hands of a neurosurgeon who took care of all 4 of my hereniated discs over the last 30 years. Currently I have some pain from what is believed to be stenosis, so thank you for stressing the benefits of PT!

[@ahwell9984]

Thank you. This is a great help. There's no way for us laypeople to know all that's required, but we can at least get a better sense of the parameters we're dealing with.

[@kumbakumba794]

My husband is presently hospitalised in the matei misericordia of Dublin cervical neuropathy.thank you for your advise.we'll be always with as your exp

[@cindismith3201]

My original neck injury is 25 yrs old. Thru all the WC and outside treatments,this is the 1st time explained outside or inside nerve damage. Go figure. I've always refused surgery and most recently my recent PT excursion caused my nerves to physically shut down. I'm back to stretching, resting, and fensu gardening. Thank you. You are the 1st Dr. That has made sense out of my mess. I am 67 yrs old 🙏

[@beckycantrell668]

Thank you so much for this explanation. I've been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, neck bone spurs. I have been seeing a pain manager for about 6 years. I'm on several meds, hydrocodone, tramadol, nortriptyline, gabapentin and something else... I've had physical therapy several times, steroid injections every 2 months in my neck. Plus epidural twice a year, in my hips. I have a lot of bone spurs. The pain is often unbearable. I also use heat therapy, 800 mg ibuprofen. Even had the electric shock thing, plus massage several times. At any rate....my doctor has never explained what spinal stenosis is, nor ever suggested surgery. I've done my own research. So I greatly appreciate your video.

[@kebedegunjo9]

Thank you Doc for your clear and simple explanation. I hope you'll make a nice teacher.

[@Itsme-e5j]

Great video! It is comforting to know that over age 60 most people have stenosis. I workout and eat healthy and have symptoms. 🙏

[@craigwilkin7286]

Excellent presentation, doc! Thank you for the very valuable info. I am a 70 YO male with apparently C8 nerve pain in both hands (middle and ring fingers) accompanied by weakness and limited mobility. I am going to try nonsurgical decompression, combined with dietary anti-imflammation support, and muscle strengthening training to help support the head, back, and core.

[@kevinaldcroft6291]

In September of 2023 I was at work, and I went to raise my arms up to lift a small bucket (2kg) off my ladder / trolly and without warning I received sharp pains down my neck, shoulders and arms. My arms seized and I could not move them. After sitting down for ten to fifteen minutes the pain eventually subsided but I had ongoing tingling in both my arms and hands. The episode has repeated several times since, with little or no warning. The front and the back of my neck feel swollen, and I have numbing sensation around the front of my neck, cheek, lips and jaw. I have recently had X-Ray, CT scan and finally an MRI on my cervical spine. The MRI has shown several areas of moderate to Sevier stenosis at two sites. I have just had steroid injection of the left and getting the right side done in a few days. The nerve conduction study shows only mild issues on the right side. Just waiting for specialist to give me the update. The thoughts of any form of surgery on or around the spine is daunting to say the least.

[@VaselekyCrafferty]

I CAN NOT THANK YOU ENOUGH DOR THIS INFO!!! I PRAY YOU ARE LEGIT!!! AND I CAN GET HELP BY KNOWING WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT!!! AND HOW TO BE AGGRESSIVE IN ( MY!!!, OWN TREATMENT!!!!

[@rebeccahollar6821]

wow, this was excellent information. thank you for that.

[@zKaizen8]

You’re doing God’s work mate. Bless you.

[@thebarista2222]

One would have paid a lot for this explanation. Thank you for the details, doc.

[@SandyzSerious]

Thank you.

[@usr810-d6l]

I have stenosis in 2 areas of my cervical spine causing horrific pain, numbness, tingling, radiating pain, the top of my left hand has no more feeling. I am not a candidate for ESI anymore, as I have osteoporosis. I do get RFAs. History of ehlers-danlos, spinal instability & ankylosing spondylitis. I'm 31. I met with a Neurosurgeon who said my spine was "beautiful", I should be thankful, and she didn't know what I was doing in her office. I have had episodes of incontinence, but she told me cervical spine conditions would "never" cause that. Same with tingling in feet - only lumbar would cause that. Incorrect. She sent me to PT, but I can barely get through - she also told me to go back to pain mgmt (meanwhile, he sent me to Neurosurg..). I'm waiting to meet with a different Neurosurgeon currently. I'm losing Neurological function that I'm afraid I will not be able to restore. If they say something different, she will be hearing from me again.

[@anniesimone]

What a neurosurgeon saying incontinence and nerve tingling in feet cannot come from the neck...I would never let someone so inaccurate do surgery on me, so after all, perhaps you were lucky, she will not be your surgeon, because she obviously does not know the nerve map. I am not surprised though, once I met an orthopedic surgeon for my neck and back problems, when mentioning whiplash to him, he said he "didn't believe in such crap" (meaning according to him, whiplash doesn't exist)

[@GeorgeRochow-fg9ty]

Great information! I have all of the symptoms. Blather and sometimes bowel lack of control, severe neck pain, elbow as two small fingers have numbness, weakness in legs causing falls even once when using a walker. Low back pain. Sometimes shoulder pain but on the opposite side of the elbow and finger issues. Sometimes shackling of my legs or hands when writing.

[@PrincetonSpineJointCenter]

If those are your symptoms and you are having bowel and/or bladder incontinence /lack of control then you need to be seen by a doctor immediately. That’s an emergency situation and should be checked out immediately.

[@عموحسين-خ4ج]

how are you now?

[@joannekozaroff7500]

Great and thorough explanation. I have had dizzy spells, decreased hand strength, a dropped foot, numbness, tingling and neuropathy. There has also been more incontinence and nausea. I am having a laminectomy and fusion C2-C7 this week. I feel a lot better informed now. Thank you.

[@jennygibbons1258]

Such simple, clear and balanced information with all pros and cons explored. Thanks so much.

[@glendastephens5427]

Very informative thank you so much!

[@cincinmoon]

Thank you 🙏 so much for this very informative and easy to understand video. ❤

[@benjaminscott8198]

I fell in March 2021, herniated 7 discs, 4 annular tears, 4 nerve root compressions between 2-5mm. I have cervical and lumbar stenosis and spondylosis. I've been under treatment ever since. My current doctor has performed several steroid epidurals. When I saw him a week ago for my last round of injections, he told my wife my spine has only gotten worse. Doc, I've been telling you that every month. Its harder and harder to walk and use my arms. He wants to avoid surgery if at all possible. Doc, i hurt all the time and the meds aren't helping as much as they should. I see him next week for lumbar injections and we will be discussing other mobility devices. I dreaded surgery before. Now I think surgery may be the only option to not lose complete use of my arms and legs.

[@elizabethnaylor9561]

I am scheduled for surgery on 5/15/24. I have incontinence that is connected. Say a prayer for me. Elizabeth

[@ericgordon8542]

How did it go?

[@sophiegrattier3072]

Hope it went well, please let us know how you feel. I might need surgery.

[@mrameshkamath4460]

God bless you 🙏

[@pablodelira1047]

Hello how are you feeling now I have same situation

[@helenwray2678]

🙏🙏

[@kimellis155]

I wish I could come and see you. Doctors do not explain all this. Very informative. My doctor last time said just smoke pot. I am in bad shape with my neck, and I need help. I wasn't, and now I am. Thanks

[@BigTomTheMan]

Thank you for taking the time to explain so well bless you so much.

[@KiM-plh2]

Thank you for this comprehensive explanation. I have been to a few spine surgeons, one offering decompression surgery as first line of treatment. I just went for a second opinion & the surgeon is sending me for an EMG. This was so helpful in helping me really understand not only how and why I have certain symptoms but, reasonable tx options.

[@humtydumty6249]

The best video for my cervical stenosis that I should had before the first spinal fusion surgery on C6-C7 was 31 years ago. I may decide differently. Thank you so much for your care.

[@hekdhjrkf3601]

Wonderful,wonderful explanation of cervical stenosis. I loved it u are the greatest. God bless u.

[@esterkahingunga5813]

Best explanation ever, thank you for sharing .

[@Javierhuanay]

le agradesco mucho su explicación, justo hoy me dieron los resultados de mi MRI con foraminal stenosis; ya se imaginara todas las interrogantes que tengo; muchas gracias nuevamente.

[@mariacini1868]

I'm so sorry . Have courage dear . I am in constant pain too. In my prayers

[@Virajsecure]

Thank you.

[@cpnmikes]

Thank you for this extremely clear explanation as I begin my journey into a solution to all this

[@kelliparra2483]

What are your thoughts on ultrasonic surgery for cervical stenosis?

[@PrincetonSpineJointCenter]

As I understand it, the benefits of ultrasonic surgery is that it uses an ultrasonic scalpel which basically uses an oscillating current to create high frequency sound waves to cut through tissue with less damage than a traditional scalpel. It’s a very surgical question, though, and I am not a surgeon. The idea of cutting less tissue to obtain the same surgical result is of course appealing. But with that said the pros and cons of it in general, as well as for particular spinal problems that need different surgical approaches is something that I would need to defer to a surgeon. Maybe a future video could focus on this issue and I could interview a surgical colleague about it.

[@tracydaugherty513]

Just like many of the other comments, very well explained

[@Ireneknagel]

Best video. You made my day. God bless you.

[@seans7228]

Amazing information!

[@lordvasuki4987]

Thank you

[@Mr6384]

Very good information. After going through 30 different doctor’s, PA’s and others, I finally found out that (as it was explained) my spinal column is simply too small for my spinal cord. The doctor told me that it was something I was born with? I’ve done all of the injections both top and bottom. Now I am considered completely disabled. And the doctor that finally took the time to explain this all told me surgery is not an option. My question is this: is it possible to be born this way? I am 60 and have had sore back pains since I was about 16.

[@AM-xh2su]

Eliminating inflammation is key to improving pain. I've found fasting and carnivore diet to make a huge difference. Completely pain free at times.

[@kunal4076]

I am sorry for your problems sir.I hope you feel better.

[@DELLRS2012]

You can definitely be born with stenosis

[@TheHellnfire]

OMFG THIS WAS AWESOME THANK YOU! 🙏 I'm hoping someone reads this & can possibly help. Why would bladder & bowel incontinence be a surgical emergency??? Thanking you in advance 😁

[@Lord_Don]

It may be caused by nerve compression. I think I have this same issue right now. Index finger slightly numb at the tip middle to a lesser degree. Left arm seems weak and possibly losing strength

[@lmundiclan]

I have 3 fingers of both hands that are partially paralyzed. I used to be an executive secretary. I can no longer type. And have pains in my upper arms. I am 79. I don’t have much constant pain. My physical therapist said not to come back but go to a neurosurgeon.

[@k1ngduggerz802]

What are the worsening symptoms you should look out for in c6 c7?

[@Hide_and_silk]

I have stenosis from C4 to T2 (5mm) resulting from hyperflexibility of the spine due to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. I see the surgeon on the 5th June. Also have moderate to severe arthritis from L1 to S1. EDS sucks.

[@kunal4076]

Thank you doctor. Nicely explained.

[@poojabhutiyani]

detailed info. thank you

[@berthahust3038]

Can any kind of stenosis cause incontinence both bowel and urine? Please! Please! Help

[@PrincetonSpineJointCenter]

Stenosis can cause those symptoms. If that is the cause of incontinence of bowel and/or bladder then that is a surgical emergency and needs to be evaluated and treated immediately.

[@sillybillyvideo]

4 and a half months post ACDF C4-C7. Congenital spine, hypermobile Ehler Danlos syndrome. I still cannot feel most of my left hand, the left side of my torso, across my stomach and right pinky. My spinal cord was almost severed. I'm starting to think this is my new normal and not sure I'll be able to return to work. It all seems permanently damaged. 😢

[@mariacini1868]

Thank you for a detailed explanation. I wish I can get on a plane and come to yr office. Maybe you can treat my cervical neck stenosis. I am at my wits end .it is so so painful .I lost my job and cannot enjoy my baby granddaughter because ofvthe pain. Is there something I can do pls ? Thankbyou

[@lindaellis6937]

Excellent video!

[@Leemeelone]

Wow what an amazing explanation

[@zKaizen8]

Hey Doc, What do you think about nerve root block for foraminal stenosis compare to epidural?

[@laurarivera1992]

I have both kinds of cervical stenosis. Had surgery and I have myelopathy

[@artempink]

Can you provide the link for exercise.

[@pauletteturner8728]

Why aren’t there any support groups for patients with cervical stenosis?

[@trudyboschert4472]

I wonder the same thing.I've been told this can get as debilitating as ALS..

[@brookbeam7384]

I've been dealing with C6/C7 foraminal stenosis caused from a bulging disc for about 7 years myself. Tried PT, and it caused me far more discomfort than it helped. However, steroid shots have been INCREDIBLY effective for me, and typically last for about 1.5 to 2.5 years until I start noticing moderate-to-severe discomfort again. Interestingly, for me the C6/C7 shoots down to my pinky and ring finger, and occasionally my middle finger when severely flaring up.

[@thalai143]

What’s the level of stenosis and have you been told to perform surgery

[@txpicker2000]

I'm a 46M and have been told that I have severe cervical stenosis caused from OPLL which seems to be quite rare. Currently I have a loss of range in motion in my neck and occasional sharp neck/nerve pain. Nothing that seems to radiate anywhere else fortunately. Can you share any knowledge on this topic? Thank you!

[@noymichel]

Thank you for the video. I've been having burning right upper trap and rear shoulder pain for 2 years that is MUCH worse when I sleep. An MRI of shoulder showed partially torn labrum and partially torn subscap tendon. I did PT for 1 year and my shoulder is otherwise strong. I don't have any mobility or strength issues. (All of this has been done at HSS in NYC) Last week, I insisted that my physiatrist order a cervical MRI. It shows "severe right foraminal stenosis may have impingement of the right C6 nerve". Could this have been the culprit for my upper trap pain? Your video only maps the nerves to the arm. Could my pain be more of a "centralized" expression of C6 nerve root impingement?

[@angelicaledesma2405]

Can cervical stenosis cause chronic tight muscles?

[@mariamdaisy1719]

Thank you 😊

[@kaykang5551]

I have central stenosis on C4-5. I have severe neurological symptoms. I thogut I had Parksinsons disease which was ruled out by my MDS. Pain is not so much but the muscle spasm is extreme. I wish I could get a surgery.

[@victoriadaoana7114]

Dr.My Neurosurgeon are from Columbia( Presbyterian hospital) Renoun Dr's Neurologist and Neurosurgeon.

[@JuScho26-27]

Thought this presentation was excellent! My hands are permanently swollen - is anyone else diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis experiencing this, please?

[@helenwray2678]

What causes pain from the neck stenosis to travel down to the thoracic area and shoulders ?

[@SuspenseESCAPEremastered]

Thanks. I've got cervical stenosis (a real pain in the neck) My right arm is going numb down the middle - what shpuld I do?

[@amigatommy7]

C8 injured in a car crash among others; 24 years of pain, mostly in the Ulnar. Acupuncture and THC the only things that help. Hands, fingers work about 50% although numbness tingling, weakness is sometimes worse.

[@danapriess8860]

I have had two fusions, and I now have a stenosis around my cervical spine. Is surgery an option for me?

[@matchpoint14]

Doctor, is there a test that shows bladder and bowel incontenence is being caused by spinal problems. I have herniated disc and bladder and bowel issues

[@imveryhungry112]

Does anyone know if its common for cervical stenosis do cause headaches?

[@VeronicaJohnson-yq4sw]

Since you wrote this 3 months ago, you probably already received an answer from somewhere else. I told my neurosurgeon that I get frequent tension headaches. He said that is common when you have neck problems.

[@thileebandominic1035]

Hi doctor my MRI shows Muscle spasm of cervical spine. C5-6 and C6-7 mild diffuse posterior disc bulge with no neural compromise. Below but I have muscle cramps and muscle twitches back side little pain and muscle wasting kindly advise this case what is the reason

[@bryantcampbell5244]

Barber hear, dealing with DDD. Picked up my clippers one, and could barely use them because of weakness. 😢 what I wouldn't give to have strength back. ..smh

[@mariamdaisy1719]

I too am suffering from spondylitis all alone don't know what to do about it? If I go for surgery I have none to look after me. And I will loose my job too. Please pray for me 🙏

[@williamhager7136]

I have moderate central canal stenosis and severe bilateral foraminal stenosis. Is this the same thing?

[@fishinraider3146]

What is considered severe central stenosis? My canal is at 5 mm.

[@thalai143]

Were you told to have a surgery. What’s going on

[@jmjhope]

Why do you start with C-5, I have C-3?

[@imveryhungry112]

How do you know all this information lol? How did you learn all this?!

[@zachchan9464]

I wish there is better option than fushion

[@AmberHardin-n3k]

Please Help my bone and joint doctor told me that I have the neck of an 80 year old woman and I’m only 41 but in severe pain!I’ve had steroid injections which only helped a fraction of the pain for 2 months. I rolled an ATV in my youth when I was like 26 and I broke my clavicle and my glenoid they put a screw in my glenoid, and my clavicle has healed with a bit of a deformity, but everybody says that it’s got nothing to do with that. All the doctor say it’s my neck that I have severe arthritis in my neck to the point of spinal stenosis now my doctor said you’re way too young for this to be happening to you and he doesn’t understand himself but yet all he’s giving me is antidepressants and muscle relaxers and there’s gonna be physical therapy and dry needling and I’m not getting any relief from the pain and it’s getting worse and worse daily and the side of my whole face feels like it’s not getting enough blood to it when eyes red redder than the other eye is wider it’s just I don’t know what to do anymore, but give up!

[@vickymcintyre1958]

Mine was a severe emergency. Just wore me out 😢😢

[@theobserver9131]

(humor;) our spines are an excellent argument against INTELLIGENT design. They seem to be really poorly designed. I like the scifi notion that we are perfectly designed to live on Mars...(only 30% Earth's gravity)

[@kristenhurst683]

I was in my 30's when everything went to hell for me. Reason why it took a while for my doc to send me for an MRI. I have permanent nerve damage because no one believed me. I also believe that I was treated as a hysterical woman and have found that men I talk to receive treatment immediately where I have been made to suffer far longer.

[@jimmyd8729]

lol

[@taninmauri1318]

It is so hard when we have these symptoms but are young. I am so sorry about your experience. I empathize because I am in the same boat. The amount of times I've been told I was fine my whole life, while my symptoms have gotten worse and worse and I've found it increasingly difficult to do daily tasks is sad. At 25 I have both foraminal and central moderate stenosis. As well as a herniated lumbar disc, most likely a herniated disc in my thoracic spine, and permanent nerve damage from intense injury to my sacrum. The amount of people who just saw me as a healthy younger man and assumed I was just lazy has been sickening. I've had doctors laugh at me and tell me to work out more when coming to them with my symptoms. It is so discouraging but we truly have to be our own advocates. And continue to advocate. It becomes so easy for what's really going on to be overlooked. But listening to ourselves is extremely important. I wish you the best!

[@gwenallwood]

This is unfortunately a very common experience. I have been gaslighted for years too, doctors telling me my pain isn’t real and it’s all in my head. Because I’m a woman, so of course I’m hysterical.

[@Mrsh3n1]

Same im 33 and have horrible pain and now get chronic migraines at least 15 days out of a month. I have 3 kids. I think they thought I was being dramatic...they even said I needed anxiety medication. My mri just showed DDD with dehydration and stenosis with multiple protrusions...

[@TheHaza66]

❤❤❤❤

[@reneventer7642]

I would life to talk to to you business

[@jennifermadrigal2652]

Why is this dude starting cervical spine symptoms at C5?? Of the C1-C7 only two cervical spinal bones are discussed like the other five don't exist...

[@Eric_D_Blair]

? KRATOM VS OPIOIDS : DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION/ COMMENTS ~ ( UNTIL SURJURY APPROVED OR DEATH?)😳🙏🖖❤️

[@ericestrada5369]

C8? We only have C-7 T-12 & L5.

[@PrincetonSpineJointCenter]

The C8 nerve root exits between the C7 and the T1 vertebral body segments. After that, the T1 exits between the T1 and T2 and so forth. But you are correct about the bone numbering.

[@PrincetonSpineJointCenter]

Btw, the C8 is the only nerve root that does not have an accompanying vertebral element and so it is atypical in that regard.

[@joannekozaroff7500]

I had PCDF in April 2024, C3 to T1. Is physio generally prescribed post surgery? I thought it would have been but my surgeon says it’s not necessary. I realize it’s a big incision through the muscles but how long generally, until the strength returns? My neck still feels weak and and I find it difficult to hold my head up after an hour. I am still getting some minor incontinence and nausea for no apparent reason.

[@Eric_D_Blair]

Can anyone help me: give me directions or ☠️⚱️🪦👋🛐✝️

[@TINSAY888567]

Thank You 😊