Cervical Stenosis Treated in Houston, Cypress & Tomball, TX
Cervical stenosis occurs when the spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord and a series of sensitive nerve roots, becomes narrower in the neck region. As a result, the spinal cord may become compressed or a nerve root may become pinched at the point where it branches away from the spinal cord.
In many cases, cervical stenosis is caused by age-related degenerative changes in the spine. For instance, the spongy discs that separate the vertebrae may bulge out of place or herniate, or the ligaments that connect the vertebrae may thicken. Aging can also lead to spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis), which causes the protective cartilage in the spine to break down and wear away, sometimes leading to the formation of bone spurs on the exposed bone surfaces. All of these conditions can produce excess tissue that encroaches on the spinal canal, causing it to become narrower.
What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Stenosis?
In addition to neck pain and stiffness, the pressure caused by cervical stenosis can affect neural function, which can produce a variety of symptoms such as:
- Electrical sensations that originate in the neck and radiate down one or both arms
- Numbness and tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers
- Muscle weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Bladder or bowel incontinence (in very severe cases)
How Is Cervical Stenosis Addressed?
Cervical stenosis does not always cause discomfort, worsen, or require treatment. Moreover, when treatment is needed, the symptoms can usually be managed with a combination of medication and physical therapy. To address symptoms that do not respond to conservative therapies, decompression surgery may be considered to remove or reduce the source of the pressure. If necessary to stabilize the spine, a fusion procedure may also be performed afterward.
Consult With a Specialist
Alexander Mohr, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who practices in Houston, Cypress, and Tomball, Texas. One of his specialties is motion-preserving non-fusion surgery, which helps many patients achieve effective, long-term results without the need for spinal fusion. As a widely respected teaching surgeon, Dr. Mohr helps other surgeons learn the latest surgical techniques two to three years before those procedures are widely performed.
That said, Dr. Mohr offers a full range of treatment options for cervical stenosis and other orthopedic spine conditions, and his goal is to avoid surgery whenever possible. He takes a patient-first approach that distinguishes him from many other surgeons. When talking with a patient, he fully explains each treatment option to help the patient make a fully informed decision with confidence.
Request an appointment today to see Dr. Mohr at his office in Houston or Cypress, TX.