Cervical canal stenosis is a condition that exists when the area in the spine that is reserved for the spinal cord and nerves becomes too small. Canal stenosis occurring in the cervical (neck and upper back) section of the spine is typically caused by a bone spur or damaged spinal disc herniating into the spinal canal, although genetics and aging can also play a factor with this debilitating condition. As a result of this condition, the painful symptoms described in the following article can develop throughout your body, including in your lower legs.

Cervical canal stenosis symptoms

Cervical canal stenosis can lead to a variety of symptoms, depending on where the condition occurs. In the cervical spine, the spinal cord becomes compressed, resulting in the following symptoms:

• Pain, numbness and weakness in the shoulders, arms, hands or legs
• Burning or tingling in the arms and legs
• Local pain in the vertebrae of the neck
• Problems with gait or balance
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction
• Loss of coordination

Treatments for cervical canal stenosis

If you are suffering from problems in your lower leg as a result of cervical canal stenosis symptoms, your primary care doctor may recommend conservative therapy to ease your discomfort. This may include a course of conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatories, pain medication, muscle relaxants, heat massages, physical therapy and range of motion exercises.

However, if these treatments do not prove successful after several weeks or months, then surgery may become an option. If this is the case for you, then reach out to USA Spine Care to see if you are a potential candidate for our minimally invasive spine surgery. Through a no-cost MRI review,* we can learn if our outpatient procedures would be effective in relieving your cervical canal stenosis condition.

At USA Spine Care, our board-certified surgeons+ have helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from their chronic conditions, setting us apart as the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery. To treat this condition, a decompression or stabilization procedure may be performed through a small muscle-sparing incision in order to provide you with long-lasting relief. Contact us today to learn how our outpatient procedures may be able to help you regain your quality of life from cervical canal stenosis.

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