Cervical Myelopathy
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What is Cervical Myelopathy?
Have you been diagnosed with Cervical Myelopathy and confused on what exactly it is? In order to understand what it is you must first understand what myelopathy is. Myelopathy is a term used to describe any symptoms (numbness, tingling, pain, weakness) related to dysfunction/injury to the spinal cord.
Cervical myelopathy, is an injury to the spinal cord by way of compression in the area of the cervical spine. The spine in the human body is divided into three main parts: cervical (neck area), thoracic (upper/mid back or the area of the ribs), and lumbar (low back, between the 12th rib and pelvis).
To learn more about the anatomy of the spine read: Spine Anatomy
Cervical Myelopathy
What Are The Symptoms of Cervical Myelopathy?
There are multiple symptoms of cervical myelopathy. General neck symptoms that could be symptoms of cervical myelopathy are:
- Neck pain
- The feeling of stiffness in the neck
- Reduced range of motion in the neck.
More serious symptoms include:
- Pain radiating down the spine or down the arms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
- Decreased coordination in the hands (ability to handle items like silverware or pen)
- Decreased strength in the arms or hands
- Balance issues
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- loss of control or sensation in the legs
What Causes Cervical Myelopathy?
There are many possible causes of cervical myelopathy. One of the main causes of cervical myelopathy is spinal degeneration which may occur with aging. As we age, the path for the spinal cord becomes narrower, also known as spinal stenosis. Additionally, bulging discs or bone spurs may occur and impinge upon the spinal cord.
Other cause of Cervical Myelopathy include:
- Congenital spinal stenosis
- Calcification of ligaments in the neck (hardening of ligaments which cause the ligaments to take up more space in the spinal canal which encroach on the spinal cord)
- Infections of the spine
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancer/tumors of the spine
- Whiplash injury.
Is Cervical Myelopathy Serious?
Cervical myelopathy is serious since the spinal cord is affected. The symptoms can be as mild as neck pain, but over time can progress to as symptoms as serious as balance issues or decreased coordination in the arm and hands, which can significantly affect your everyday life. The longer the spinal cord is being compressed, even after having decompression surgery, the longer the recovery and the longer time for the symptoms to decrease.
Can Cervical Myelopathy Be Treated?
Cervical myelopathy can be treated conservatively with a hard collar or with physical therapy. Conservative treatment does not heal or resolve cervical myelopathy, but it can slow progression. The idea behind the hard collar is it holds the cervical spine in correct anatomical position to open up the space where the spinal cord is contained as much as possible to decrease the compression as much as possible.
Physical Therapy is used as a treatment too. It strengthens and improves the endurance of the postural muscles to help hold the cervical spine in the correct anatomical position to decrease compression during your daily activities. Physical therapy can also help maintain your strength and coordination and possibly improve strength and coordination for those experiencing cervical myelopathy.
If conservative treatment or Physical Therapy is not working, or a patient has more severe symptoms, surgery may be necessary. Surgery will decompress the nerve, which sometimes gives immediate relief. Other times, it can take up to months for relief depending on the severity of compression. After surgery, physical therapy is usually required to help with symptom relief, and ensure proper restoration of ROM, strength, and coordination.
JOI Rehab has a Spine Fast Track Program to get you in quickly for Physical Therapy. You can call 904-858-7045 to book an appointment.
When Should I See a Doctor?
If you are experiencing neck pain that is not resolving or experiencing symptoms like numbness/tingling down the arms and hands, or unexplained weakness in your upper extremities, it is time to see a doctor.
JOI has Spine Physician’s that specialize in treating the neck. To book an appointment call 904-JOI-2000 or click the book the appointment button below.