Stenosis vs disk compression

[Guest guest]

OK, I guess I am not real smart, but does anyone know the difference between

cervical stenosis and compression of disks. The neruo says I have disk

compression at 6-7 and 5-6 does not look real good either, any of you smart

people out there know?

Dorothy

[Guest guest]

Dorothy,

I am a physical therapist and I will try and explain the difference between

the cervical disc compression and spinal stenosis so that maybe you can feel

a little bit more comfortable with the two of the them.

The disc which is located between all vertebral bodies is actually like a

cushion that is enclosed with a liquidous solution that acts as a shock

absorber for our spine. Many of us have a disc that in compressed and the

actual disc that is enclosed in it's sack called the annulus is not damaged

and this is the best case scenario that gives the patient an excellent chance

with a good therapist to do various types of therapy to relieve symptoms as

well as align the disc to resolve the problem. The trouble comes in when the

annulus again this is the covering around the disc that holds the liquidous

solution in the disc to aid with shock absorption is damaged and with this

type of situation, most therapies are not successful.

With the diagnosis of spinal canal stenosis you are actually talking about

the diameter of the area that the spinal cord is housed in. In most cases

the diagnosis of spinal canal stenosis is a congenital disorder and a very

difficult diagnosis to work with. You may also develop this as the result of

having the formation of bony spurs inside the vertebral body thus making the

space for the spinal cord to lie in less and thus the results are varied

depending on where the actual narrowing is as well as where and what are is

being compressed.

I hope this helps you and others with a better understanding between the two

different diagnoses.

Sue Marsigli