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Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Expert Cervical Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Washington, DC

Do you experience neck pain, numbness in your hands, or difficulty with your balance? These symptoms may be signs of cervical spinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal in your neck narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. At Rose Physical Therapy, with clinics in Navy Yard, Friendship Heights, and Farragut North, our expert physical therapists offer one-on-one care to help you restore comfort, coordination, and control.

What Is Cervical Spinal Stenosis?

Cervical spinal stenosis affects the upper portion of the spine (neck). As we age, changes like disc degeneration, thickened ligaments, or bone spurs can reduce the available space in the spinal canal. This compression can interfere with vital nerve signals, affecting movement and sensation in the arms, shoulders, and even legs.

Common Causes:

  • Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear and tear that reduces disc height.

  • Osteoarthritis & Bone Spurs: Bony overgrowth that encroaches on the canal.

  • Thickened Ligaments: Specifically the ligamentum flavum, which can bulge inward.

  • Spondylolisthesis: When a vertebra shifts out of alignment.

  • History of Trauma: Past neck injuries or spinal surgeries.

Symptoms of Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms often develop gradually and can range from localized stiffness to systemic coordination issues:

  • Neurological Changes: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and hands.

  • Loss of Fine Motor Skills: Difficulty with tasks like buttoning a shirt or writing.

  • Balance & Gait Issues: Problems with walking or a heavy, "clumsy" feeling in the legs.

  • Chronic Neck Pain: Persistent stiffness in the cervical region.

  • Myelopathy Signs: In severe cases, significant signs of spinal cord compression.

Diagnosing Cervical Spinal Stenosis at Rose PT

While MRI or CT scans can confirm canal narrowing, our physical therapy evaluation focuses on function and symptom presentation. At Rose PT, your therapist will assess:

  • Neurological Signs: Testing your reflexes, strength, and sensation.

  • Cervical Mobility: Checking for segmental stiffness and range of motion.

  • Postural Alignment: Evaluating how your posture affects your spinal load.

  • Upper Body Control: Assessing dexterity and fine motor coordination.

Your Path to Recovery

Our goal is to maximize the space for your nerves and improve your body's ability to compensate for structural changes. We provide elite, evidence-based rehabilitation to help you feel grounded and move with confidence.

Schedule Your Assessment at Rose PT

Don't let stenosis dictate your mobility. Rose Physical Therapy offers specialized care at our convenient DC locations:

  • Farragut North

  • Friendship Heights

  • Navy Yard