Narrow Canal in the Neck (Cervical Stenosis)
A narrow canal in the neck is defined as a narrowing of the canal where the spinal cord is located in the neck vertebrae, or the openings called foramen through which the nerve roots pass. Degenerative changes in the spine caused by aging, large hernias with impaired structure, bone extensions due to calcifications, and rheumatic changes can cause narrowing of the canal in which the spinal cord is located. This narrowing can give signs of compression on the nerve roots or spinal cord.
Findings
Stiffness, pain in the nape, difficulty using the hands, weakness or numbness in the hands, arms or legs, convulsions in the legs, impaired bladder or bowel function may occur.
The disease begins with complaints of numbness and awkwardness in the hands, which is often accompanied by neck pain. The patient's incompetence increases over time, his skills such as opening doors with a key, buttoning buttons deteriorate. Over time, difficulty walking is added to this complaint. If the disease progresses too much, the patient walks with a sickle and assistance, we can not do his job with his hands, the control of urine and feces deteriorates.
Diagnosis
The history of the disease is usually typical. From the examination, it becomes clear what condition the disease is in and its severity. With Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which is one of the modern diagnostic methods today, a narrow channel in the neck is easily diagnosed and its degree can be determined. With MRI, damage to the spinal cord can be seen as a white spot (white spot). SEP (Sensoriel evoked potential) and MEP (Motor evoked potential) are useful for demonstrating the conduction function of the spinal cord and are required in some cases. Computed Tomography (CT) is very good at showing the structure of the bones of the neck and spine. However, the most important criterion for diagnosing a narrow duct in the neck is the clinical examination and the physician's blending of these with radiological findings.