Cervical Stenosis Treatment in NYC – Manhattan PT

If you are in severe pain due to cervical stenosis, then this post is here to help you out. Our professional team at Manhattan Physical Therapy will offer you quality care to assist you in solving your problem and regaining energy. In terms of symptoms, procedures, and even your life, we offer comprehensive and standard-of-care services and tools. Start the journey to change for the better and select a new day of overcoming.

To make your appointment, you can call us directly at this number: (680)-208-3884. Get your life back, stop suffering from cervical stenosis, and start moving without pain – contact our specialists today.

What is Cervical Stenosis?

Cervical stenosis, stenosis being the contraction for the word stenosis, is the condition whereby the canal on the neck region of the spine, also referred to as the cervical spine narrows and compresses the spinal cord as well as the nerves. This narrowing limits the space for blood vessels and nerves and can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness; in extreme cases, it can cause balance and coordination problems. This condition can be due to changes that are brought by aging, rupture of the disc, formation of bone spur, or other birth deformities that may be present in the spine.

Anatomy of the Cervical Spine

The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1-C7) and intervertebral discs, which provide cushioning and flexibility. The spinal canal houses the spinal cord and nerve roots. When the canal narrows, it can compress these structures, leading to the symptoms of cervical stenosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of cervical stenosis can vary, but several common factors contribute to its development:

• Degenerative Changes: As accumulating years, the spinal columns are subjected to wear and deteriorate, and conditions such as osteoarthritis can cause the spinal canal to narrow. This process may also have other effects, including the formation of excess fibrous tissue and disc narrowing, along with the development of bone spurs that may cause stenosis.

• Herniated Discs: Intervertebral discs which lie between the vertebrae can tear or wear away misplaced and intrude into the spinal canal triggering stenosis formation. Ligament: Disc herniation is usual to break the spinal cord or nerve root resulting in pain that may be accompanied by neurological indications.

• Bone Spurs: Some of the mechanical changes that affect the spinal canal are due to an increased size of the bone spurs or osteophytes that intrude onto the space available for the spinal canal, thereby causing stenosis. Bone spurs are formations that occur due to the attempts the body makes to heal itself, which is normally a result of arthritis or any other condition that may cause degeneration.

• Spinal Injuries: Spinal stenosis, which might be either primary or result from injury to the vertebral column, may develop from trauma or be accompanied by other signs at the time of injury or only within a certain period after trauma. Trauma, for instance, involving fracture, dislocations, or whiplash may result in alteration of the normal makeup of the spine and decreased space for the spinal canal.

• Congenital Conditions: There are habitual stenosis precursors such as a person who is born with a narrow spinal canal. Congenital stenosis may not cause problems throughout the progression of life specifically when certain changes lead to enhanced narrowing of the aperture.

Additional Risk Factors

• Gender: Cervical stenosis is a common complaint that is often observed in males rather than in females.

• Genetics: Other risk factors that may be associated with cervical stenosis include… Pre-existing spinal issues are also considered an added risk factor if one is genetically inclined towards it.

• Lifestyle: Over time, certain factors that include poor posture, obesity, and lack of regular exercise significantly affect the spine leading to conditions such as stenosis.

Symptoms

An early symptom of cervical stenosis may manifest in the development of neck pain and radicular pain coming from the cervical nerve roots, with the severity and location of the stenosis determining the symptoms experienced by the patient. Common symptoms include:

• Neck Pain: Sometimes it may be more severe and experience joint stiffness along with the pain.

• Numbness or Tingling: Usually localized to the arms, hands or fingers and is sometimes periodic or may be chronic.

• Weakness: Numbness of arms and hands, and general muscle weakness of the hands makes it difficult for people to grip or handle objects.

• Difficulty Walking or Balancing: In certain circumstances, an increased pressure on the spinal cord may cause certain aspects of motor function to be compromised, such as a person’s ability to walk in a straight line or even at all.

• Muscle Cramps or Spasms: ’Muscle spasms – stiff or sore neck, shoulder, or upper back muscles.

Diagnosis

The methods of diagnosing cervical stenosis are as follows; Cervical stenosis can be diagnosed after going through an assessment with a healthcare provider. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, the diagnostic process typically includes:

1. Medical History: Getting to know all the details of the patient, such as their symptoms, past illnesses and treatments, or any past injuries they may have had. This assists the clinician describe the patterns of start, duration, and change of different symptoms.

2. Physical Examination: AKA identifying alterations in range of motion, reflexes, muscle power, and sensation when evaluating a patient. The examination may involve tests that pinpoint the compressive features of nerves and the involvement of the spinal cord.

Range of Motion Tests

• Neurological Tests: Evaluating reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory responses in the upper and lower extremities.

• Spurling’s Test: Applying pressure to the top of the head to see if it exacerbates symptoms, indicating nerve root compression.

• Imaging Tests: Utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to visualize the spine and identify areas of narrowing or nerve compression.

• X-rays: Help detect bone spurs, disc height loss, and other structural changes.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including discs and nerves, helping to pinpoint areas of stenosis.

• CT scans (Computed Tomography): Offers detailed cross-sectional images of the spine, useful for visualizing bone structures.

• Myelogram: A specialized imaging test where a contrast dye is injected into the spinal canal before X-ray or CT scanning, highlighting the spinal cord and nerves.

Electrodiagnostic Tests

• EMG (Electromyography): Record electrical activity of muscles in response to nerve impulses and apply it to determine the integrity of muscles and nerves.

• Nerve Conduction Studies: Determine the velocity at which electrical signals pass through the nerves and thus help in diagnosing nerve injury.

Differential Diagnosis

• Thus, different conditions like herniated discs, spinal tumors, multiple sclerosis, or peripheral neuropathy can present similar to cervical stenosis. Because evaluation precedes diagnosis, a proper evaluation of the symptoms helps in providing an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Some of the available treatment options include consultations and treatment from a physical therapist and cervical spine specialist, manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises; medical care through prescriptions and pain management; and patient education. It is to help reduce or eliminate the pain, to help the child optimize position and movement, and to halt the progression of the condition.

1. Physical Therapy

Manhattan Physical Therapy offers cervical stenosis treatment recommended to contain physical therapy as an essential component. To build up the neck and back muscles and to help build up insights for pain-injured muscles and tissues, the experienced therapists work closely with the clients to come up with an exercise plan designed for flexibility and to end nerve pressure to the spinal cord. Techniques may include:

• Stretching exercises to increase neck flexibility.
• Strengthening exercises to support the spine.
• Posture correction to alleviate strain on the neck.
• Manual therapy to relieve muscle tension and improve joint mobility.

2. Pain Management

To manage pain and inflammation, various non-invasive treatments are available:

• Medications: Covert painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs available from the chemist or by prescription for orally taken medication can also soothe the affected region and bring about relief from the pain and inflammation.

• Corticosteroid Injections: There are treatments, however, which are administered by steroid injections and can give temporary pain relief as they minimize inflammation around the nerves involved.

• Heat and Cold Therapy: When one is suffering from spasms one should apply a heat or cold pack to help minimize the pain.

Why Choose Manhattan Physical Therapy?

1. Expertise and Experience

Cervical stenosis is also one of the spinal conditions we treat at Manhattan Physical Therapy with the best physical therapy in New York. This guarantees that you will receive a quality standard of care because of our high level of professionalism.

2. Personalized Treatment Plans

It is important to understand that each patient is a special case, therefore, our treatment planning is always personal and follows individual objectives. This is because it refines and enhances the traditional approach to treatment and ensures recovery as per the patient’s needs.

3. State-of-the-Art Facilities

Our clinic is equipped with the latest technology and facilities to provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services. This ensures that patients receive comprehensive care in a comfortable and modern environment.

4. Holistic Approach

Manhattan Physical Therapy adopts a holistic approach to treatment, addressing not only the physical symptoms but also considering the overall well-being of the patient. This includes lifestyle advice, nutritional counseling, and stress management techniques.

Conclusion

Cervical stenosis can be a debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, relief and recovery are possible. Manhattan Physical Therapy in NYC offers a comprehensive range of treatment options, from non-surgical interventions like physical therapy and pain management to surgical solutions in collaboration with top specialists. If you are experiencing symptoms of cervical stenosis, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today at (680)-208-3884 to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a pain-free life.