Cervical spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. The spinal canal is the open area in the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spinal column.The spinal cord is a collection of nerves that runs through the spinal canal from the base of the brain to the lower back. Stiffness, pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, or legs. 2  Balance and coordination problems, such as shuffling or tripping while walking. 3  Cervical spinal stenosis can be crippling if the spinal cord is damaged.