Cervical spinal stenosis happens when the spinal canal narrows and may put pressure on the spinal cord. In some cases, it can also affect the nearby nerve roots. This condition might cause symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, gait imbalance, and in severe cases, it can even cause weakness.
While treatments like physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes can help you manage the symptoms, there are certain things that can make your condition worse. In this blog, we learn about the top five things to avoid with cervical spinal stenosis. So, let’s begin!
What Is Cervical Spinal Stenosis?
Cervical spinal stenosis is a type of spinal stenosis that occurs when the spinal canal in the neck narrows and starts to put pressure on the spinal nerves and cord. The narrowing of the canal can be a result of aging, injury, arthritis, or any other spinal condition.
Your cervical spine is made of seven vertebrae that protect your spinal cord. However, when the space in your spinal cord becomes too narrow, it might cause nerve compression, which leads to symptoms like:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Numbness in your arms, hands, or fingers
- Weakness in your upper limbs
- Balance difficulties in severe cases
Knowing about the condition is important because there are certain movements and habits that can worsen your condition. By understanding the do’s and don’ts, you can manage the discomfort and protect your spine.
Things to Avoid with Cervical Spinal Stenosis
If you are dealing with cervical spinal stenosis, you need to take extra care of your neck. There are certain activities and habits that can worsen your condition. Here are five key things that can aggravate cervical spinal stenosis pain:
High-Impact Neck Movements
Sudden, jarring movements (like during an accident or high-impact sports) can flare up symptoms, even though they don’t change the underlying narrowing. Any high-impact action can put pressure on your spinal cord and nerves, which might cause pain, numbness, or injury.
Poor Posture
Poor posture increases stress on the neck and can worsen symptoms, even though it doesn’t change the actual size of the spinal canal. You can reduce strain by sitting in an upright posture and by taking regular breaks to stretch your neck.
Heavy Lifting
Heavy lifting can strain the neck muscles and discs, which may worsen symptoms when stenosis is present. Over time, the strain might worsen nerve compression and pain. It is important to keep the object close to your body and to bend your knees before lifting an object.
Repetitive Neck Motions
Frequently twisting or bending your neck can irritate the nerves in the cervical spine. For example, working on overhead shelves or spending long hours on your phone can cause irritation. Gentle, controlled movement is still healthy and encouraged.
Ignoring Symptoms
Ignoring symptoms like worsening weakness, balance problems, or loss of coordination can delay treatment for cervical myelopathy. Other symptoms to take note of include numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands. Delaying the treatment might cause serious complications like nerve damage.
Final Thoughts
Cervical spinal stenosis can significantly affect your daily life. However, with the right precautions and by understanding the things you need to avoid, you can help symptoms but they don’t prevent the condition from worsening. Pain management can help with symptoms, but patients with cervical spinal stenosis often require neurosurgical evaluation.
For better neck health, you need to get in touch with healthcare professionals at Genesis Pain Management Clinic. Our healthcare experts can help you maintain better neck health and improve your quality of life by managing your spinal stenosis effectively. Call us now at (913) 871-9888 to schedule your visit today!