About Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy refers to a constriction on the spinal cord traveling through the vertebrae of the neck. This constriction also compresses nerves traveling to the upper extremities causing neurological symptoms of the upper body.
Patients may notice an increased clumsiness of the hands or weakness, but often these changes can go unnoticed until the time of diagnosis. They can also gain a sense of unsteadiness in their legs. Some people can lose function in their hands over time. More advanced cases affect the entire body. A physician will usually order x-rays and often an MRI to visualize the cervical vertebrae and isolate the problematic region.
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About Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy refers to a constriction on the spinal cord traveling through the vertebrae of the neck. This constriction also compresses nerves traveling to the upper extremities causing neurological symptoms of the upper body.
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Patients may notice an increased clumsiness of the hands or weakness, but often these changes can go unnoticed until the time of diagnosis. They can also gain a sense of unsteadiness in their legs. Some people can lose function in their hands over time. More advanced cases affect the entire body. A physician will usually order x-rays and often an MRI to visualize the cervical vertebrae and isolate the problematic region.
Can Cervical Myelopathy be dangerous?
Cervical myelopathy can be slowly progressive disease if not addressed. Left untreated, symptomatic myelopathy can become a permanent disability.
Can Cervical Myelopathy be dangerous?
Cervical myelopathy can be slowly progressive disease if not addressed. Left untreated, symptomatic myelopathy can become a permanent disability.
How is Cervical Myelopathy managed?
In less severe and stable cases, patients will typically be advised on lifestyle modifications that may be made to reduce the progression of disease.
In patients for whom non-operative measures are still unable to provide adequate relief, surgery may be an option to consider. Your surgeon may recommend operating on the front or back of the neck, depending on the localization of stenosis. Problematic bone spurs may be removed, and modifications may be made to the vertebrae themselves to provide more space for the spinal cord. To stabilize the vertebral column after such procedures, metal screws or plates may also be used.
How is Cervical Myelopathy managed?
In less severe and stable cases, patients will typically be advised on lifestyle modifications that may be made to reduce the progression of disease.
In patients for whom non-operative measures are still unable to provide adequate relief, surgery may be an option to consider. Your surgeon may recommend operating on the front or back of the neck, depending on the localization of stenosis. Problematic bone spurs may be removed, and modifications may be made to the vertebrae themselves to provide more space for the spinal cord. To stabilize the vertebral column after such procedures, metal screws or plates may also be used.
How is Cervical Myelopathy diagnosed?
Upon initial evaluation, physical examination, patient history, and some basic neurological testing will be performed to evaluate current functioning. X-rays may be ordered, in which degenerative discs and slippage of the vertebrae may be visible. MRI is another option which provides greater detail of structures that could be applying pressure to the spinal cord. In addition to imaging, nerve conduction testing may be necessary to isolate the exact cause of patient symptoms.
How is Cervical Myelopathy diagnosed?
Upon initial evaluation, physical examination, patient history, and some basic neurological testing will be performed to evaluate current functioning. X-rays may be ordered, in which degenerative discs and slippage of the vertebrae may be visible. MRI is another option which provides greater detail of structures that could be applying pressure to the spinal cord. In addition to imaging, nerve conduction testing may be necessary to isolate the exact cause of patient symptoms.
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The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. Dr. Paul makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this website with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.
Dr. Paul does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific tests, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, health care providers or other information that may be contained on or available through this web site. DR. PAUL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. www.paulspine.com/legal/disclaimer.
Individuals’ outcomes may depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to patient characteristics, disease characteristics and/or surgeon experience.
All logos and names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
©2024 Ronjon Paul MD. All rights reserved.
Disclosures & Important Information
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. Dr. Paul makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this website with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.
Dr. Paul does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific tests, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, health care providers or other information that may be contained on or available through this web site. DR. PAUL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. www.paulspine.com/legal/disclaimer.
Individuals’ outcomes may depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to patient characteristics, disease characteristics and/or surgeon experience.
All logos and names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
©2024 Ronjon Paul MD. All rights reserved.