What does severe central canal stenosis mean?

Central stenosis occurs when the central spinal canal is constricted with enlarged ligament and bony overgrowth, causing compression of the spinal cord and cauda equina. Stenosis can occur along any area of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar), but is most common in the lumbar area.

What nerves are affected by C4 C5?

Roots. The C4 and C5 roots give rise to the dorsal scapular nerve that supplies the rhomboids and levator scapulae.

Does severe central canal stenosis require surgery?

And it’s usually not needed unless you have other back problems along with spinal stenosis. Some surgeons are doing newer, less invasive procedures. They are inserting small metal devices—called interspinous process devices—between the bones of the spine, near where the nerve roots leave the spinal cord.

What are the symptoms of C5 C6 stenosis?

Typical symptoms of foraminal stenosis c5-c6 include numbness, weakness, or tingling in regions such as your arms or legs. In addition, the pain may increase over time slowly and increases when you’re doing activities that may irritate that nerve.

What is the prognosis of spinal stenosis?

In most cases the prognosis for spinal stenosis is very good. Many people can obtain good relief of their symptoms with nonsurgical treatment. In some case, as the stenosis becomes more severe, the nonsurgical treatment become less effective. For those patients, surgery is a good option to consider.

What are the treatments for severe spinal stenosis?

Severe spinal stenosis, a condition in which an area of the spine narrows and chokes the spinal cord or the nerves, is typically treated with exercise, medication, and surgery. Injections of steroids may also be used prior to surgery to help reduce inflammation and pain.

What is minimal central canal stenosis?

Mild central canal stenosis is mild narrowing of the canal which contains the spinal cord. This canal is composed of different aspects of the vertebral bodies. Degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs or vertebral bodies themselves can cause narrowing of the canal. Mild stenosis is usually not symptomatic.