Cervical stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal in the neck becomes narrowed. This narrowing is commonly caused by age-related degeneration, arthritis, disc bulging, thickened ligaments, or bone spurs.
Some patients with cervical stenosis have no symptoms, while others may develop:

• neck pain
• arm pain
• numbness
• tingling
• weakness

In more severe cases, cervical stenosis may place pressure on the spinal cord and lead to cervical myelopathy.
Dr. Ammar Hawasli evaluates and treats patients with cervical stenosis in Kansas City and North Kansas City, offering both non-surgical and surgical treatment options depending on symptom severity and imaging findings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Stenosis

What is cervical stenosis?
Cervical stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. This narrowing may place pressure on the spinal cord or exiting nerves.

What causes cervical stenosis?
Common causes include age-related arthritis, disc degeneration, thickened ligaments, herniated discs, and bone spurs.

What are symptoms of cervical stenosis?
Symptoms may include:

• Neck pain
• Arm pain or numbness
• Tingling in the hands
• Weakness
• Balance problems in more severe cases

Some patients have cervical stenosis on MRI without symptoms.

Can cervical stenosis cause arm pain?
Yes. Cervical stenosis may compress nerves exiting the spinal canal, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Is cervical stenosis serious?
Mild cervical stenosis may remain stable for years. More severe stenosis can place pressure on the spinal cord and may eventually lead to cervical myelopathy.

What is the difference between cervical stenosis and cervical myelopathy?
Cervical stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal. Cervical myelopathy occurs when that narrowing begins compressing the spinal cord and causing neurological dysfunction such as balance difficulty, hand clumsiness, or weakness.

How is cervical stenosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically includes:

• Neurological examination
• MRI of the cervical spine
• Occasionally CT scans or X-rays

MRI is the best study for evaluating spinal canal narrowing and spinal cord compression.

Can cervical stenosis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients improve with:

• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Activity modification
• Epidural steroid injections

Treatment depends on symptom severity and imaging findings.

When is surgery recommended for cervical stenosis?
Surgery may be considered when patients develop:

• Significant arm weakness
• Progressive neurological symptoms
• Spinal cord compression
• Persistent pain despite conservative treatment

The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

What surgeries are used to treat cervical stenosis?
​Depending on the location and severity of compression, surgery may include:

• ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion)
• Cervical disc replacement
• Laminoplasty
• Posterior cervical decompression and fusion

Most New patient consultations are performed directly by Dr. Hawasli so patients receive a surgeon's evaluation from the first visit.

NKC Health Neurosurgery
2750 Clay Edwards Dr,  Ste 410
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Telephone 816-471-8114