Cervical Spine Stenosis - A Complete Guide

Watch our video on the best exercises for neck pain: • The Best Exercises for...
Watch our video on the best exercises for great posture: • Best Exercises for Gre...
0:00 Introduction
0:29 What is Cervical Spine Stenosis?
1:41 Where Does Cervical Spine Stenosis Occur?
2:38 Causes of Cervical Spine Stenosis?
3:49 Symptoms of Cervical Spine Stenosis
7:38 Electrodiagnostic Study or EMG
9:00 Foraminal Cervical Stenosis
14:26 Surgery
17:02 Cervical Central Stenosis
20:39 Medications
22:10 Conservative Care
22:33 Like & Subscribe!
I hope you've found this video on cervical spine stenosis useful and if you have enjoyed it and learned something then please remember to like this video, subscribe to the channel and tell a friend who might enjoy it as well because that's the way we can spread good health information and achieve good health outcomes, together. As always ,if you have questions that you would like me to answer in a future video, or if you have any comments, leave a comment or question down below. Thank you.
For more information about our practice, visit our website here: princetonsjc.com/
#CervicalStenosis #SpinalHealth #NeckPain #NerveCompression #ConservativeTreatment #SurgicalOptions #PhysicalTherapy #EpiduralSteroidInjection #CentralStenosis #NeurologicSymptoms

[@kursatoner6347]

Best explanation ever in the net.

[@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

[@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]

🙏🙏

[@matchpoint14]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@user-wv6bt2sh1u]

This was a really wonderful explanation😊😊

[@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.

[@rebeccahollar6821]

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

[@glendastephens5427]

Very informative thank you so much!

[@kebedegunjo9]

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

[@kunal4076]

Thank you doctor. Nicely explained.

[@seans7228]

Amazing information!

[@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.

[@poojabhutiyani]

detailed info. thank you

[@lindaellis6937]

Excellent video!

[@user-jk7vf1vz2z]

Thank you.

[@Ireneknagel]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Leemeelone]

Wow what an amazing explanation

[@user-tb8uu6vv4q]

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!!!!

[@metemad]

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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@zKaizen8]

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

[@zKaizen8]

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

[@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..

[@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?

[@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.

[@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. 😢

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@williamhager7136]

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

[@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!

[@danapriess8860]

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

[@helenwray2678]

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

[@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

[@angelicaledesma2405]

Can cervical stenosis cause chronic tight muscles?

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@jmjhope]

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

[@TheHaza66]

❤❤❤❤

[@zachchan9464]

I wish there is better option than fushion

[@vickymcintyre1958]

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

[@imveryhungry112]

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

[@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

[@user-tt9jm9pn2q]

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!

[@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.

[@Eric_D_Blair]

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

[@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...

[@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.

[@Eric_D_Blair]

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

[@SandyzSerious]

Thank you.