What is Cervical Myelopathy?
Cervical myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord is compressed or damaged in the cervical spine (neck region). This compression disrupts normal spinal cord function, leading to various neurological symptoms. It is a progressive condition, meaning it can worsen over time without treatment.
What Causes Cervical Myelopathy?
Common causes of cervical myelopathy include:
- Degenerative changes (e.g., osteoarthritis) leading to bone spurs.
- Herniated discs that press on the spinal cord.
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
- Neck trauma from accidents or injuries.
- Tumors pressing on the spinal cord.
- Congenital conditions or inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the Symptoms of Cervical Myelopathy?
Symptoms can vary but often include:
- Neck pain and stiffness.
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands.
- Weakness in the limbs.
- Difficulty with fine motor skills (e.g., buttoning a shirt).
- Balance issues or difficulty walking.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control in severe cases.
Who is at Risk for Cervical Myelopathy?
Individuals at higher risk include:
- People over 50 due to age-related spine degeneration.
- Those with a history of neck injuries or trauma.
- Patients with chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).
- Individuals with congenital spinal abnormalities.
- Workers in occupations that put stress on the neck.
How is Cervical Myelopathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of cervical myelopathy typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans. These tests help assess the extent of spinal cord compression and rule out other potential causes of symptoms.
What are the Treatment Options for Cervical Myelopathy?
Treatment for cervical myelopathy can range from conservative management, such as physical therapy and medications, to surgical intervention. In mild cases, non-surgical treatments may alleviate symptoms and prevent further progression.
However, surgery is often necessary to relieve spinal cord compression in more severe cases and to prevent permanent neurological damage. Common procedures include Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), laminectomy, laminoplasty, posterior cervical fusion, and corpectomy. Foraminotomy may be used for nerve compression, and artificial disc replacement is an option for maintaining spinal mobility. The choice of procedure depends on the severity and specific cause of the condition.