Cervical Stenosis

Question 1

What is Cervical Stenosis?

Answer 1

Narrowing of the cervical spinal canal resulting in compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots.

This results in symptoms of cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy.

Question 2

What are the causes of Cervical Stenosis?

Answer 2

Degenerative changes:

• Spondylosis
• Bone spurs/osteophytes
• Disc degeneration/herniation
• Thickening of ligamentum flavum
• Thickening of the zygopophyseal joints

Traumatic conditions:

• Fracture
• Instability

Inflammatory conditions
Tumours

Question 3

Which levels of the Cervical Spine does Cervical Stenosis impact?

Answer 3

Lower Cervical Spine:

C4 - C7 and T1

Question 4

Which age group does Cervical Stenosis impact?

Answer 4

5% of all over 50s will have cervical stenosis

Question 5

Describe the clinical presentation of cervical stenosis

Answer 5

• Not always symptomatic
• If it is symptomatic it can present at cervical Radiculopathy and/or cervical myelopathy
• Gait disturbance
• Lower limb weakness
• Ataxia
• CES Symptoms
• Reduced proprioception

Question 6

Describe the conservative management of cervical stenosis

Answer 6

• Stretching exercises
• Mobilisations of not contraindicated
• UL strengthening exercises
• Cardiovascular exercises for the UL
• Swimming
• Lifestyle awareness and safety advice to prevent head and neck injuries