Hamilton, NJ ( prfree.org ) December 4, 2013 - Cervical spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the upper spinal canal. This narrowing causes constraints of the spinal canal, which may result in various neurological issues. The narrowing of the spinal canal is often something that happens as a person ages.

Renowned neurosurgeon Dr. John Lipani, founding Director of Princeton Neurological Surgery, explains that most adults over the age of 50 experience some narrowing of the spinal canal, as a result of normal aging, though most do not experience painful symptoms. However, others may experience symptoms, such as stiffness, pain, loss of balance and coordination, and numbness in the neck, shoulders, or arms.

According to Dr. Lipani, cervical spinal stenosis is primarily caused by degenerative, aged-related changes in the joints, which creates tightening within the spinal canal. This condition is a slow, progressive condition which pinches the spinal cord in the neck. Dr. Lipani diagnoses cervical spinal stenosis based on a patient's symptoms, along with a physical exam. The exam will likely include several tests, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT Scans, to determine the exact cause of the spinal canal. Additionally, blood tests will be conducted to rule out other health issues, such as multiple sclerosis and vitamin B12 deficiency, which have similar symptoms to cervical spinal stenosis.

Many cases of mild to moderate cervical spinal stenosis can be controlled with medicine, Dr. Lipani says. In addition to medication that will help with pain, exercise and physical therapy can also be helpful. For patients with more severe cases, surgery may be required. The surgery will involve the removal of the bone, disc, or tissue that is pressing on the nerve roots. Vertebrae will then be joined together to provide stability to the spine.

Dr. Lipani says that cervical spinal stenosis can cause serious damage to the nervous system if it is left untreated, including a permanent loss of strength and feeling in the arms, legs, or hands. He encourages any patients who currently experiencing painful symptoms, to consult a specialist immediately.

Dr. Lipani and his experienced staff at Princeton Neurological Surgery can help you quickly, safely, and effectively. Interested parties can contact 609.890.3400, or learn more online at www.princetonneurologicalsurgery.com.

About Dr. Lipani

Dr. Lipani is the founding Director of Princeton Neurological Surgery, P.C. and Brain and Spine Radiosurgery Institute. He previously served as the founding Director of the Institute for Neurosciences at Capital Health in Trenton, NJ.

Dr. Lipani also headed the first Neurosurgical Oncology program at Capital Health and founded Capital's CyberKnife Radiosurgery program of the Penn Cancer Network. Dr. Lipani served as a Clinical Instructor in Neurosurgery at Stanford University Hospital and Clinics and is currently an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson Medical College.

Dr. Lipani is Board Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons, a Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Having treated over 3,500 brain and spine radiosurgery cases, Dr. Lipani is known as one of the nation's top brain and spine surgeons and serves as a leading expert in brain and spine radiosurgery on three internationally recognized advisory review boards.

Princeton Neurological Surgery is located in Hamilton, NJ, and can be reached by telephone at 609.890.3400 or online at http://www.princetonneurologicalsurgery.com/

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Dr. Lipani is the founding Director of Princeton Neurological Surgery, P.C. and Brain and Spine Radiosurgery Institute. He previously served as the founding Director of the Institute for Neurosciences at Capital Health in Trenton, NJ.