Cervical Myelopathy
About Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy is a condition that occurs when the spinal cord in the neck is compressed or injured. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including weakness, numbness, and clumsiness in the arms and hands, as well as balance problems and difficulty walking.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cervical myelopathy can vary depending on the severity of the compression or injury to the spinal cord. Some common symptoms include:
- Weakness in the arms and hands
- Numbness and tingling in the arms and hands
- Clumsiness in the arms and hands
- Balance problems
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt or tying shoelaces
- Bladder or bowel problems
Causes
Cervical myelopathy can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Degenerative disc disease: This is a condition that causes the discs in the neck to wear down over time. This can lead to bone spurs, which can put pressure on the spinal cord.
- Herniated disc: This is a condition in which the soft, jelly-like center of a disc in the neck bulges out or ruptures. This can put pressure on the spinal cord.
- Spondylosis: This is a condition that causes the bones in the neck to become overgrown. This can put pressure on the spinal cord.
- Injury: A sudden injury to the neck, such as a whiplash injury, can also cause cervical myelopathy.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of cervical myelopathy is usually made based on a physical examination and a medical history. Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, to help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
The treatment for cervical myelopathy depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. If the symptoms are significant or getting worse, surgery may be necessary.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment for cervical myelopathy may be necessary if the symptoms are severe or do not improve with conservative treatment. There are a number of different surgical procedures that can be used to treat cervical myelopathy, including:
- Laminectomy and Fusion: This is a procedure to remove part of the lamina, which is the bone that covers the spinal cord, and to fuse two or more vertebrae together.
- Laminoplasty: This is a procedure to reshape the lamina without removing any bone.
Related Doctors
Conditions
- Neck and Arm Pain
- Back and Leg Pain
- Myelopathy
- Spinal Deformity
Contact Us
-
1828 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Suite 6300
Los Angeles, CA 90033 - (323) 267-0222
