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Cervical Stenosis - Introduction

Cervical Stenosis

In the neck there are 7 bones known as the cervical vertebrae, with cushions (called discs) between each vertebra at the front and a joint between each bone at either side at the back of the spinal cord. The mobility of the neck as part of everyday life inevitably means that there is a normal “wear and tear” aspect to the cervical spine as we get older- both in the discs and in the joints. Between each bone there is a space (foramen) for a nerve to leave the spinal canal, which if narrowed means a compression of the nerve (much like in the lumbar spine). One of the problems that can occur in the cervical spine is called Cervical Stenosis or Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM). Myelopathy means that the spinal cord is compressed. This can occur when the spinal canal is restricted due to degeneration in the discs and bones (stenosis), causing the cord to get narrower.

Who gets it and When/What causes this?

Spinal cord stenosis (abnormal narrowing) affects mainly older individuals and results from continuous, very slowly increasing degenerative changes affecting the mobile segments of the vertebral column. The intervertebral discs become less flexible and the small joints between vertebrae become less mobile. These 2 flexible components of the vertebral column try to perform their function despite these changes. Ligaments on both the front and the back of the spine become thicker because they are no longer stretched. The thicker these ligaments become, the more they press on the spinal cord from the front and the back. This pressure leads to a decrease in the blood supply in this area and consequently to the deterioration of the spinal cord function.

Other less common causes of spinal cord narrowing are: fractures, tumours, infections and congenital abnormalities.
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Sciatica, back pain, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, scoliosis and many other spine conditions explained in a clear reliable, and trustworthy way. Not for profit EUROSPINE experts are here to help patients and their families understand what may be worrying them.

EUROSPINE is a society of spine specialists of various disciplines with a large knowledge of spine pathologies. All well-known and accepted treatment modalities for spine pathologies are represented by the members of the society. However, the Society cannot accept any responsibility for the use of the information provided; the user and their health care professionals must retain responsibility for their health care management.
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page last updated on 06.03.2019