Neck pain, numbness in the arms, and difficulty with balance can all be signs of cervical stenosis, a condition that occurs when the spinal canal in the neck becomes narrowed. As this narrowing places pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves, everyday activities can become increasingly difficult. If you’re searching for a Spine Specialist, Dr. Scott Dhupar at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help.
Dr. Scott Dhupar is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of spinal conditions, including cervical stenosis. He works closely with each patient to identify the source of their symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan focused on reducing pain, improving function, and enhancing quality of life.
What Is Cervical Stenosis?
The cervical spine consists of the seven vertebrae that make up the neck. These vertebrae protect the spinal cord while allowing the neck to move in multiple directions. Cervical stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, reducing the space available for the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
This narrowing most commonly develops because of age-related changes in the spine, but it may also result from herniated discs, bone spurs, thickened ligaments, arthritis, or previous injuries.
Common symptoms of cervical stenosis include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Pain that radiates into the shoulders or arms
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty with balance or coordination
- Problems with fine motor skills, such as buttoning clothing or writing
Because these symptoms may overlap with other spinal or neurological conditions, an evaluation by a Spine Specialist is important for obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
Why Choose Dr. Scott Dhupar?
Dr. Scott Dhupar is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at Nadora Healthcare with extensive experience treating both common and complex spinal disorders. His specialized training allows him to evaluate spinal conditions thoroughly and recommend treatment options tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals.
During your appointment, Dr. Dhupar will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, perform a comprehensive physical examination, and may recommend imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans. These diagnostic tools help identify the location and severity of spinal narrowing while determining whether the spinal cord or nerve roots are being compressed.
Patients seeking a trusted Spine Specialist appreciate Dr. Dhupar’s patient-centered approach. He believes every patient should fully understand their condition and the available treatment options before making decisions about their care.
Treatment Options for Cervical Stenosis
Many patients with cervical stenosis improve with conservative treatment, particularly when symptoms are mild or moderate. Depending on your condition, Dr. Dhupar may recommend:
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Epidural steroid injections when appropriate
These treatments are often effective in reducing inflammation, relieving pain, improving flexibility, and helping patients maintain normal daily activities.
If symptoms continue despite conservative treatment or if spinal cord compression causes progressive weakness, balance problems, or loss of coordination, surgery may be recommended. Depending on the underlying cause of the stenosis, surgical options may include procedures such as a laminectomy, laminoplasty, or anterior cervical decompression and fusion to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine when necessary.
Dr. Dhupar carefully evaluates every patient before recommending surgery and discusses the potential benefits, possible risks, recovery timeline, and rehabilitation process so patients know what to expect throughout treatment.
When to See a Spine Specialist
Persistent neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness should never be ignored, particularly if symptoms are worsening or affecting your balance and coordination. Early evaluation may help identify cervical stenosis before permanent nerve damage occurs and often provides more treatment options.
Dr. Scott Dhupar works closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan focused on preserving spinal function and improving quality of life. Whether conservative care or surgery is appropriate, his goal is to help patients return to their normal activities with greater comfort and confidence.
If you are experiencing symptoms of cervical stenosis, Dr. Scott Dhupar at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help. As a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon and experienced Spine Specialist, he provides comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment plans for patients with cervical stenosis and other spinal disorders. His expertise and compassionate approach to care help patients find lasting relief and regain confidence in their daily lives.
