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Has Moderate Canal Stenosis, Mild Cord Impingement. What Does It Mean? Severe Pain, Numbness, Muscle Spasm. Serious?
My husband is 42 years old, very fit and has c6/7 indenting upon the interior thecal sac and the anterior surface of the cord, resulting in moderate canal stenosis and mild cord impingement. What does this mean? He also has significant neural exit foraminal narrowing at c5/6 and c6/7. He has sharp pain, pins needles, numbness and muscle spasm down left side. How serious is it?
Wed, 7 Aug 2013
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
All the findings in the description suggests a CERVICAL DISC DISEASE with RADICULOPATHY (tinging ,numbness along the arm).
This is not a serious problem but has to be managed properly. Please follow the below mentioned guidelines -
Rest: A soft cervical collar is advisable. It should not be used for more than a week or two as it may worsen the condition with prolonged usage.
Medicines: Analgesic are needed in the acute phase. Muscle relaxants are essential for relieving muscle spasms once the acute pain subsides. Neurotropic vitamins like METHYLCOBALAMINE (activated Vit B12) or PREGABALIN will help in alleviating the neuropathic pain.
Cervical traction: may enlarge the disc space, permitting the prolapse to subside. Intermittent cervical traction for not more than 30 minutes at a time. Weight upto 8kg can be added.
Physiotherapy: Once the acute phase of pain has subsided, Isometric strengthening exercises of the paravertebral muscles are started. Moist heat can be useful
At times an epidural injection may help in resolving the symptoms.
If your symptoms are not resolving, consult an orthosurgeon for further management.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
All the findings in the description suggests a CERVICAL DISC DISEASE with RADICULOPATHY (tinging ,numbness along the arm).
This is not a serious problem but has to be managed properly. Please follow the below mentioned guidelines -
Rest: A soft cervical collar is advisable. It should not be used for more than a week or two as it may worsen the condition with prolonged usage.
Medicines: Analgesic are needed in the acute phase. Muscle relaxants are essential for relieving muscle spasms once the acute pain subsides. Neurotropic vitamins like METHYLCOBALAMINE (activated Vit B12) or PREGABALIN will help in alleviating the neuropathic pain.
Cervical traction: may enlarge the disc space, permitting the prolapse to subside. Intermittent cervical traction for not more than 30 minutes at a time. Weight upto 8kg can be added.
Physiotherapy: Once the acute phase of pain has subsided, Isometric strengthening exercises of the paravertebral muscles are started. Moist heat can be useful
At times an epidural injection may help in resolving the symptoms.
If your symptoms are not resolving, consult an orthosurgeon for further management.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
You might be suffering from degenerative disc disease & it occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc & it increases the risk of disc herniation & spinal canal stenosis.
Sharp pain, pins needles, numbness and muscle spasm down left side could be due to cord impingement due to stenosis of canal.
For this condition you have to do stretching & strengthening exercises in which you have to stretch tight muscle & strengthen weakened ones which will alleviate stress on facet joint and disc.
You need to consult a neurophysician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Meanwhile for pain control take anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
You might be suffering from degenerative disc disease & it occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc & it increases the risk of disc herniation & spinal canal stenosis.
Sharp pain, pins needles, numbness and muscle spasm down left side could be due to cord impingement due to stenosis of canal.
For this condition you have to do stretching & strengthening exercises in which you have to stretch tight muscle & strengthen weakened ones which will alleviate stress on facet joint and disc.
You need to consult a neurophysician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Meanwhile for pain control take anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
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