Cervical Myelopathy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Cervical Myelopathy is a serious spinal condition that can lead to paralysis and even death when not promptly treated by the spine orthopaedic surgeon in UK. It is an urgent surgical condition that requires prompt medical help and in this blog let us dig deep into this condition with the inputs from a leading spine specialist in UK Mr Jwalant S Mehta today.

What is Cervical Myelopathy?

The word ‘Myelopathy’ describes the neurological symptoms associated with dysfunction of the spinal cord.

Cervical Myelopathy is the spinal condition that involves compression of the spinal cord in the cervical neck formed by the 7 vertebrae, 6 discs and 8 nerve roots.  When the spinal canal formed by these vertebrae and discs get narrower, it could compress the spinal cord affecting the functions of the body that particular part of the spine controls.

What Causes Cervical Myelopathy?

The narrowing of the spinal canal that results in the compression can happen due to normal wear and tear of the body over time. Osteoarthritis or injury to the neck, tumour or any spinel condition that can cause stenosis (narrowing) can result in Cervical Myelopathy. Given wear and tear is certainty compared to the other conditions, elder adults are at more risk of suffering .

Symptoms :

It vary based on the severity of the condition. Neck pain reduced range of motion, stiffness is direct symptoms the patient experience at the neck. Given the Myelopathy involves compression of the spinal cord, the part of the body that is controlled by the spine will also be affected.

So as the disease progresses, the symptoms experienced include difficulty in walking, dexterity problems, weakness in arms, numbness in the arms and hands, poor balancing and coordination skills & difficulty in handling everyday objects.

Diagnosis:

Earlier the Cervical Myelopathy cases are diagnosed and treated better the outcomes tend to be. But given the symptoms of align with regular neck pain, the diagnosis needs to be carefully done by the spinal orthopaedic surgeon in UK. Physical examination, imaging studies (MRI, X-ray, and CT) and even electrical tests (nerve examination) may be performed to diagnose Cervical Myelopathy.

Treatment for Cervical Myelopathy in UK:

Treatment for Cervical Myelopathy, like other spinal conditions, depends upon the severity of the condition. Physical therapy and medications are considered the first step in treatment but to eliminate the relapsing spinal compression, spine specialists often suggest surgical procedures like laminoplasty or spinal fusion for decompression. Both these surgical procedures can be performed from the front or back of the neck, a spine specialist will choose the right way based on the specific condition of the patient.

Conclusion

Patients must remember that Cervical Myelopathy is a progressive disorder that can cause irreversible damage when not adequately treated. Paralysis, loss of limb function are some of the problems that can make a comeback unless the disorder is treated adequately at right time. If you are an elder adult suffering from neck pain or experiencing neck troubles post a specific injury we urge you to consult a spine specialist in UK at the earliest. If you are living in and around Birmingham, you can contact Spine Surgeon Mr Jwalant S Mehta.