Cervical lateral stenosis—also called foraminal stenosis—occurs when the small opening where a spinal nerve exits the neck becomes narrowed. This narrowing can irritate or compress the nerve, causing neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, or even weakness.
Chiropractic care can often help manage the symptoms of this condition, depending on the severity and the underlying cause.
The narrowing happens in a space called the lateral recess of the spine. It can range from mild irritation to severe nerve compression. Your symptoms—and the best treatment—will depend on how much narrowing has occurred.
Mild cases may respond well to conservative care like chiropractic treatment. More severe cases may require surgery. That’s why it’s important to find the exact cause of your symptoms rather than simply labeling it a “trapped nerve.”
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Cervical lateral stenosis can cause:
Shoulder pain and headaches (in some cases)
Tingling, pain, or numbness that worsens with severity
Muscle weakness or muscle wasting in severe cases
If stenosis affects the central canal instead of just one side, you may have symptoms in both arms or legs. In serious cases, it can also affect bowel or bladder control.
Several conditions can lead to lateral stenosis:
Wear and tear (osteoarthritis or spondylosis) creating bone spurs that narrow the nerve canal
Facet joint degeneration (facet arthropathy)
Uncovertebral joint spurs in the cervical spine
Disc injuries or herniations that reduce disc height
Spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra over another)
Rare causes such as cysts or tumors
Chiropractic care often works best when the stenosis is caused by disc irritation or inflammation. In these cases, reducing swelling can relieve pressure on the nerve and improve symptoms.
Examples of cases that respond well:
Case 1: A disc injury causes temporary swelling and nerve irritation. Once inflammation decreases, symptoms improve.
Case 2: Mild bony stenosis becomes aggravated by activity, leading to neck and arm pain. Chiropractic care can help reduce pain and restore mobility.
Cases that may not respond well:
Case 3: Long-term, worsening symptoms with visible muscle wasting, often caused by severe bony stenosis from advanced degeneration. Surgery may be required.
When Surgery May Be Needed
If your symptoms do not improve with conservative care, your doctor may recommend decompression surgery. This procedure usually requires a short hospital stay and takes 4–8 weeks for recovery.
Neck and arm pain can have many causes. Treating the wrong cause can delay recovery. A proper assessment—including physical examination and imaging when needed—ensures you get the most effective treatment plan.
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