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.

Find a Spine Doctor

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit to Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a chance for you and your spine specialist to get a complete picture of your current back health and goals for recovery. You’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained back doctor who will listen to your concerns, review any prior imaging or test results, and ask detailed questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. A detailed physical exam may follow to assess your range of motion, strength, and nerve function.
Your back specialist may recommend advanced imaging or additional diagnostic tests available onsite. Together, you’ll discuss what’s causing your pain or mobility limitations and review both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear and personalized plan designed for your specific needs—and a team ready to support you through each step of your care.
You can connect with one of our qualified spine specialists to review your symptoms, discuss any existing test results, and explore your back treatment options. To schedule your appointment, simply call our scheduling team at (949) 890-0464 or complete the secure request form on our website.
We’ll connect you with the right back doctor for your needs and can help arrange imaging or records before your visit. From the start, you’ll have access to advanced diagnostics and the latest treatments—including the latest techniques for minimally invasive procedures—tailored to your condition and goals.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our highly qualified physical therapists, back doctors, and spine surgeons work together to treat a broad range of spine conditions. These include addressing herniated discs, relieving spinal stenosis, and managing degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Conservative treatments often include targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections to relieve nerve pain, or medications to reduce inflammation.
When surgery is your most effective option, our spine specialists perform procedures including spinal decompression to free compressed nerves, spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, and disc replacement to maintain mobility. Many operations are performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, which combine advanced imaging with precise instrument control to protect surrounding tissues and support a smoother recovery. Our back specialists devise a custom spine plan for each patient, designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help them return to active, pain-free living.
Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers expert care from fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, back doctors, and spine specialists who are leaders in their field. Our team also utilizes advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted spine surgery—providing greater surgical planning, accuracy, steadier instrument control, and less disruption to healthy structures for a smoother recovery.
Exceptional technology and an excellent surgical outcome form just part of your experience with our specialized back care. Your orthopedic spine doctor will focus on your total well-being, creating a personalized treatment plan—surgical or non-surgical—to help you move without pain and regain function. From diagnosis through recovery, we’re committed to getting you back to the lifestyle you love, free from the limitations of back pain or dysfunction.

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