Version July 2025
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What is cervical spinal stenosis? —
This is a condition that can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the neck, shoulders, or arms. "Cervical" means that it affects the bones in the neck (figure 1).
To understand spinal stenosis and how it causes symptoms, it's helpful to first know a little about the neck, back, and spine.
The neck and back are made up of:
●Vertebrae – These are the bones of the spine. Each has a hole in the center. The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, and the holes form a hollow tube called the "spinal canal." The spinal cord passes through this tube and is protected by the vertebrae.
●Spinal cord and nerves – The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that connects the brain to the rest of the body. It runs through the vertebrae. Nerves branch from the spinal cord and pass in between the vertebrae. From there, they connect to the arms, legs, and organs.
●Discs – Rubbery discs sit in between each of the vertebrae. These add cushion and allow movement.
●Muscles, tendons, and ligaments – These support the vertebrae and are used to move the head and neck. They are also called the "soft tissues" of the neck and back.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal or the spaces between the vertebrae (figure 2). This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Cervical spinal stenosis is usually caused by gradual changes that happen as a person gets older:
●The vertebrae can form "bone spurs." These are bony growths that pinch the spinal cord or the nerves branching from the spinal cord.
●The discs can shrink and make the space between the vertebrae smaller. This can cause the vertebrae to pinch the nerves that pass between them. Discs can also bulge into the spinal canal and press on the spinal cord or nerves.
●The ligaments that connect the bones can get hard and stiff. These can also bulge into the spinal canal.
Less commonly, spinal stenosis can be caused by a cyst or tumor.
What are the symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis? —
Cervical spinal stenosis does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do happen, they can include:
●Neck pain, which might spread to the shoulders and arms
●Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
●Weakness or stiffness in the legs
●Trouble with balance or walking normally
●Bladder or bowel problems
In many people, symptoms get worse over time. This can happen gradually, or more suddenly if there is a fall or neck injury.
Is there a test for spinal stenosis? —
Yes. Imaging tests can show changes to the spine and spinal cord. These include:
●MRI
●CT scan or CT myelogram
●X-ray of the spine
Doctors might also do other tests. These can help them figure out if symptoms are caused by spinal stenosis or another problem. They might do "electromyography" ("EMG") or "nerve conduction studies." These measure how well electrical signals travel across the nerves that start in the spine. They can also show how well electrical signals travel from the spine to the muscles.
How is cervical spinal stenosis treated? —
Treatment might include:
●Pain medicines – Your doctor might recommend an "NSAID" medicine. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). If this does not help enough, they can prescribe other medicines.
●Keeping your neck still – This can help prevent damage to the spinal cord. Your doctor might give you a soft brace or "cervical collar" to wear.
If your symptoms are severe or getting worse, your doctor might recommend surgery. They might also recommend surgery if the imaging tests show that the stenosis is severe or the bones of the spine do not line up. Different types of surgery can used to treat cervical spinal stenosis. The doctor can remove a disc, bone spur, or part of a vertebra. They can also use hardware, like a metal plate, to hold the bones together.
Surgery can help some people. But it comes with risks. Your doctor will talk to you about your situation and whether surgery might be an option.
What can I do on my own? —
If your spinal stenosis is severe, your doctor might recommend that you avoid sudden neck movements. To do this:
●Avoid heavy lifting and contact sports. Avoid slippery surfaces and activities that could cause a fall.
●When driving or riding in a car, adjust your head rest so it's level with the back of your head.
●Wear a neck brace or collar, if your doctor recommends to.
When should I call the doctor? —
See your doctor or nurse right away if you have:
●Pain that is so severe you cannot do your normal activities
●A new problem controlling your bowels or bladder
●New numbness or weakness in your legs
●Other symptoms that worry you
Patient education: Lumbar spinal stenosis (The Basics)
Patient education: Neck pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Upper back pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Whiplash (The Basics)
Patient education: Central spinal cord syndrome (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Laminectomy (The Basics)
Patient education: Anterior cervical spinal fusion (The Basics)
Patient education: Posterior cervical spinal fusion (The Basics)
