The spinal cord in the cervical vertebrae has the ability to send signals and regulate body movements; a disruption to the spinal cord, which consists of nerves, can lead to problems with the body’s ability to use strength, conduct mobility and coordinate movement. The condition known as cervical myelopathy damages or compresses the spinal cord, which also consists of nerves. It occurs due to various factors that lead to symptoms affecting a person’s ability to conduct day-to-day activities. 

You may wonder who it may affect, how it may affect a person and the treatments involved; this blog is provided to explain the cervical myelopathy symptoms and provide answers to various questions. 

How does cervical myelopathy start? 

Degenerative changes: This happens as people grow, and their bones become worn and rigid, which makes the bones tired and causes friction. 

Bone spurs: These are smooth growths that occur on the vertebral column due to long-term friction and stress.

Bulging and herniated discs: This is a result of spongy cushions that bulge out.

Degenerative disc disease: A condition that causes loss of disc height. 

Ossification of the posterior Longitudinal Ligament: This is a condition where the ligament running behind the spinal cord becomes hard and becomes a bone. 

Congenital spinal stenosis: One may have a condition from birth where the spinal cord is longer than usual, which makes a narrow spinal canal. 

Trauma and injuries: These start as a result of accidents, which cause vertebral fractures or result in joint destruction, leading to health problems. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis and inflammatory conditions: These are conditions that lead to inflammation in the neck joints and lead to instability and joint destruction. 

Tumors and cancers: This is the development of pockets of inflammation in the neck joints that cause instability.

How does cervical myelopathy affect a person? 

• An individual may have problems with fine motor control, such as difficulty holding objects, typing, writing, or picking objects. 

• The individual may feel as though their body is stiff or weak, which leads to problems with walking, making them feel clumsy or have a robotic walk. It may also cause a loss of balance, which leaves the individual vulnerable to falling or tripping. 

• The individual may have a persistent tingling sensation or a numb feeling, which is mostly prevalent in the hands, arms or legs. They can also experience an electric sensation that flows down the spine or into the limbs. 
• As the condition progresses, it may lead to loss of bowel and bladder control and can also lead to permanent weakening of muscles or paralysis. 

What kind of diagnostic exams should one expect? 

The specialist evaluates the physical symptoms, including analysing one’s level of clumsiness, balance and persistent sensations. 

An exam is conducted that involves a neurological physical exam, which requires testing the nerve and muscle reflexes and assessing the individual’s walking style. They may also evaluate how the individual’s body is coordinated. 

What is the treatment approach for cervical myelopathy? 

The health condition is treated through different approaches depending on what was analysed by the specialists. The treatments either involve a surgical or non-surgical approach; 

A non-surgical approach 

The non-medical approach mainly focuses on addressing the mild symptoms and helping patients who cannot undergo surgery. These treatments may include;

Indulging in physical therapy: Patients are helped in attaining balance, regaining strength and coordination. 

Immobilization: In order to provide comfort, the doctors provide soft or hard collars that are used for a short period. 

Medication: With the aim of addressing the inflammation, the doctors prescribe medications. 

A surgical approach

Anterior approaches: This is mainly done when the surgery involves fewer compressions. The doctors may remove the affected discs or bones and fuse them with the vertebrae. The doctor may also consider replacing the damaged disc.

Posterior approaches: This surgery is considered when multiple compressions are involved. There are two distinct approaches; The doctors may open up the spinal canal to relieve the pressure, which is known as laminoplasty. The doctors may also remove the lamina and combine it with rods and screws in order to create space. 

Conclusion 

This health condition is mostly prevalent in adults, but other factors like injury and other underlying back health problems can leave a person susceptible to the health problem. Cervical myelopathy requires medical attention to alleviate the symptoms and stop the progression of the disease; as such, one should be prompt in seeking and adhering to the treatments to avoid severe cases. Dr. Sukhdeep Singh Jhawar at Jhawar Hospital has the facilities to conduct a diagnosis of the cervical myelopathy symptoms and provide effective treatments.

FAQ’s 

Is cervical myelopathy a permanent health condition?

Nerve damage can be irreversible; as such, leaving the health condition untreated can lead to permanent problems. 

Can I undergo treatment without surgery? 

The non-surgical treatments mainly aim to alleviate the symptoms but are unable to address the underlying cause. 

Am I supposed to undergo physiotherapy permanently? 

Physiotherapy is mainly for a period of time, as it aims to help a person regain their strength, ability to move and coordinate their body. They do not need to continue with the sessions as long as treatment has accomplished its goal. 

Does the surgery help with relieving the symptoms?

It helps stop the progression of the damage, which helps relieve the symptoms. 

Who is able to undergo cervical myelopathy surgery? 

The surgical approach is available for those patients who have been confirmed to have moderate or severe cervical myelopathy and who do not have severe underlying health problems.