Cervical Myelopathy
Overview
Causes
This problem may be caused by:
- A slipped disc
- Worn cervical discs
- Tumors inside the spinal cord or pushing on the spinal cord
- Bone spurs
- Dislocation or fracture of the neck
- Traumatic injury to the cervical spine
- Problems with the immune system, such as transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis , or neuromyelitis optica
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Infections
- Poor blood supply
- Problems with the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis , multiple sclerosis, or neuromyelitis optica
- Vascular disease
- Degenerative disease
- A history of bone or back problems
- History of cancer involving the bones
- Being born with a narrow spinal canal
- Jobs or sports that involve regular stretching and straining of spine
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Pain in the shoulder and arms
- Tingling or numbness in the arms and legs
- Trouble walking or balancing
- Muscle weakness
- Problems flexing the neck
- Lightheadedness
- Problems with fine motor control, such as buttoning a shirt
- Unusual movements
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Weakness below the waist or in all four limbs
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on any muscle weakness. A neurological exam may also be done.
Images may be taken of the spine. This can be done with:
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- CT myelogram
Other tests may be:
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Somatosensory evoked potentials
- Visual evoked potential test (VEP)
Treatments
Treatment
The cause will need to be treated. Symptoms may be managed with:
- Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion
- Occupational therapy to help with daily tasks and self-care
- Medicine to ease pain and swelling
Some people may need surgery to ease pressure on the spinal cord. Choices are:
- Discectomy —to remove part of an intervertebral disc that is putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root
- Laminectomy —to remove a portion of a vertebra called the lamina
- Fusion of the vertebrae
Cervical Fusion |
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Screws and a plate prevent the vertebrae from putting pressure on the spinal cord. |
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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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