Cervical Stenosis Specialist
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Patrick S Hill, MD
Spine Surgeon & Disc Replacement Specialist located in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, CA
Cervical stenosis is a very common cause of neck pain. Patrick Hill, MD, a leading spine surgeon in the Beverly Grove area of Los Angeles, California, offers the best in cervical stenosis solutions for people living with frustrating chronic neck pain. A part of DOCS Health, Dr. Hill’s empathetic manner and high-level surgical skill will make you feel confident about leaving your neck pain in the past. Schedule an appointment using online booking or call Patrick Hill MD for help today.
Cervical Stenosis Q & A
What is cervical stenosis?
Cervical stenosis, also known as cervical spinal stenosis, is a narrowing of your spinal canal in the upper (cervical) spine. This puts pressure on your nerve roots and spinal cord, and sometimes leads to serious symptoms. When this problem occurs in your lower spine, it's called lumbar spinal stenosis.
In most cases, cervical stenosis happens because of natural changes in your cervical spine as you age; usually, these occur because of osteoarthritis. For example, osteoarthritis can lead to bone spurs, which then cause cervical stenosis.
Other possible causes of cervical stenosis include herniated discs, spinal tumors, and even traumatic spine damage during car accidents.
What are the symptoms of cervical stenosis?
Cervical spinal stenosis can cause cervical radiculopathy, a collection of symptoms that occur along the path of the pressured nerve. Because pressure on your spinal cord or nerve roots can cause nerve signaling issues in other parts of the body, you may experience symptoms in your leg or foot with cervical stenosis. Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain
- Numbness in your arm, hand, foot, or leg
- Weakness in your arm, hand, foot, or leg
- Tingling in your arm, hand, foot, or leg
In the most severe cases of cervical stenosis, you could experience bladder or bowel control problems. Over time, cervical stenosis could lead to extreme mobility and function problems if untreated. Fortunately, Dr. Hill offers effective ways to ease your pain and keep you active.
How is cervical stenosis treated?
The treatment for cervical spinal stenosis depends on the severity of the cervical spine damage and how your symptoms affect your life.
Most people start with conservative approaches like physical therapy, neck bracing, and pain relievers. However, in many cases, there's a problem such as a herniated disc or bone spur that won't stop the issues unless you deal with it directly.
If you have severe cervical stenosis symptoms and a clear-cut issue in your cervical spine, Dr. Hill may recommend minimally invasive spine surgery. He can skillfully correct structural problems and widen the narrowed areas in your spine to relieve your symptoms long-term.
Cervical stenosis can be a frustrating and potentially debilitating issue. However, thanks to advanced surgical techniques and skilled surgeons like Patrick Hill, MD, there’s no reason to suffer through any more neck pain. Call the office or book your appointment online today.