Myelopathy of the Spine
Myelopathy at a Glance
Myelopathy is damage to the spinal cord caused by pressure from surrounding structures in the spine. It can affect balance, hand coordination, strength and sensation throughout the body.
- Symptoms include: Hand clumsiness, balance problems or numbness and weakness in the arms or legs.
- Causes include: Spinal stenosis, herniated discs, bone spurs, injuries or other conditions that compress the spinal cord.
- Reduce the risk of Myelopathy by: practicing proper posture, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising to strengthen core muscles, using safe lifting techniques and avoiding smoking.
- When to see an orthopedic specialist: Severe or worsening symptoms affecting balance, walking, hand function or bladder or bowel control.
Hoag Orthopedic Institute provides advanced diagnosis and treatment options for patients with spinal cord disorders.
What is Myelopathy?
Myelopathy encompasses a group of symptoms that are the result of spinal cord compression. Myelopathy occurs at the cervical or thoracic spinal levels. The spinal cord carries messages from your brain to your body and when compressed, can cause pain and other health issues. Myelopathy is not curable, but it is treatable.
Myelopathy Causes
Non-traumatic myelopathy most often occurs in older people with degenerative spinal issues. Associated causes of myelopathy include:
- Traumatic Injury
- Infection
- Arthritis
- Disc Protrusion
- Tumor
- Deformity
Types of Myelopathy
Myelopathy has different classifications depending on where in the spine the compression occurs, and symptoms vary by compression location.
Types of myelopathy include:
- Cervical myelopathy: This is the most common form of myelopathy, and occurs when the upper part of the spine, the cervical spine, is compressed. Neck pain is one of the foremost symptoms, but patients may also experience weakness, numbness, and tingling in their hands, arms, and legs.
- Thoracic myelopathy: This affects the mid-spine area, and the cause of myelopathy is often due to bulging or herniated discs, bone spurs, or acute spinal trauma. Signs usually come on gradually, and symptoms may include numb/weak legs, loss of coordination, and difficulty walking.
- Lumbar myelopathy: This affects the lower part of the spine (lumbar spine), and it is the least common type of myelopathy.
Myelopathy Symptoms
There are several symptoms associated with myelopathy including:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Extremity weakness
- Balance issues (clumsiness)
- Difficulty walking
- Poor fine motor skills including: Handwriting, use of fork and knife, and buttoning or zippering
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Diagnosing Myelopathy
Your spine surgeon will conduct a physical examination of your neck and spine and may call for additional testing.
- Physical exam and medical history
- Xray to evaluate skeletal structures and alignment
- MRI to evaluate to evaluate discs and spinal cord
- CT Scan to evaluate bony structures
- EMG (electromyogram) to evaluate peripheral nerves
- NCV (nerve conduction velocity study) to evaluate nerve function
- SSEP / MEP to assess spinal cord function
Known Treatments for Myelopathy
Treatment for myelopathy depends on the cause, extent, and progress of the compression.
Non-surgical treatment for myelopathy may include:
- Bracing
- Physical Therapy
- Medications including Corticosteroids, Anticonvulsants, NSAIDs and in some cases Antibiotics (if the myelopathy is caused by infection)
For some patients, their doctor may determine that surgery is the best option for myelopathy relief.
Surgical treatments for myelopathy may include:
- Spinal Decompression
- Laminectomy
- Anterior decompression / discectomy / fusion
No matter the type of myelopathy you have, it can be a frustrating condition. Our team of renowned spine surgeons at Hoag Orthopedic Institute will help you find the right treatment to relieve your back pain and improve your quality of life.
When to See a Doctor for Myelopathy
Seek prompt medical attention as soon as possible if you experience myelopathic symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent spinal cord injury and nerve damage.
Make an appointment with a spine doctor as soon as symptoms appear. Contact us at Hoag Orthopedic Institute today!
To learn more about how we can help you with myelopathy treatment at Hoag
Orthopedic Institute, please call us today at
(949) 890-0464
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