Myelopathy

Myelopathy can lead to neurological symptoms and dysfunction throughout your body. If you suffer from symptoms like weakness, numbness, or difficulty with coordination, book an appointment at Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio.

Led by board-certified neurosurgeon Kamal Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS, the practice offers several safe and effective treatments for myelopathy.

Learn more about your options by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kamal Woods today!

What is myelopathy?

Myelopathy refers to spinal cord dysfunction caused by compression, inflammation, or degeneration. The spinal cord is a critical part of the central nervous system, carrying signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is compressed, it disrupts these signals, leading to neurological symptoms that can worsen over time.

There are different types of myelopathy based on the location of the spinal cord compression:

Cervical Myelopathy: Occurs in the neck and is the most common type.
Thoracic Myelopathy: Occurs in the middle of the spine.
Lumbar Myelopathy: Less common, as the spinal cord typically ends before the lumbar region, but can affect nerves in this area.

What causes myelopathy?

Several factors can lead to spinal cord compression and myelopathy, including:

Degenerative Disc Disease: As the discs between vertebrae break down, they can press on the spinal cord.
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to age-related wear and tear, can compress the spinal cord.
Herniated Discs: When a disc herniates, it can impinge on the spinal cord or nearby nerves.
Trauma: Injuries to the spine, such as fractures or dislocations, can lead to myelopathy.
Tumors or Infections: Growths or infections in or around the spine can cause spinal cord compression.

What are the symptoms of myelopathy?

The symptoms of myelopathy can vary based on the location and severity of the spinal cord compression. Common symptoms include:
- Neck or back pain: Pain may be localized, but is often accompanied by radiating pain to the arms or legs.
- Loss of balance and coordination: Difficulty walking, stumbling, or dropping objects can be signs of myelopathy.
- Weakness or numbness: Muscle weakness or numbness may occur in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction: In severe cases, myelopathy can affect bladder or bowel control.
- Muscle spasms: Involuntary muscle contractions or stiffness can also be a symptom of spinal cord compression.

How is myelopathy diagnosed?

Diagnosing myelopathy involves a combination of a physical exam and imaging studies to assess the spinal cord and identify the source of the compression.

Medical History & Physical Exam: Your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical and neurological exam to evaluate your balance, coordination, reflexes, and muscle strength.
X-rays: X-rays help to identify any structural changes in the spine, such as bone spurs or disc degeneration, that may be causing compression.
MRI: An MRI is the most definitive imaging test for diagnosing myelopathy, as it provides detailed images of the spinal cord, discs, and surrounding soft tissues.
CT Scan: If further imaging is needed, especially after trauma, a CT scan can provide a clearer view of the bones and spinal canal.

What treatments are available for myelopathy?

The treatment of myelopathy depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause of spinal cord compression. Mild cases may be managed with non-surgical methods, while more severe cases often require surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Pain management: Medications like NSAIDs or muscle relaxants can help control pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises may help improve posture, stability, and mobility.
Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the affected area.
Activity modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms and focusing on low-impact exercises can help reduce pressure on the spine.

Surgical Treatment Options

In more advanced cases of myelopathy, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent further nerve damage. At Vertrae®, we specialize in minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of myelopathy, allowing for faster recovery and less postoperative pain.

Decompression surgery: This procedure involves removing the bone or tissue that is compressing the spinal cord, such as in a laminectomy or foraminotomy.
Discectomy: If a herniated disc is causing myelopathy, a discectomy may be performed to remove part of the disc that is pressing on the spinal cord.
Artificial disc replacement: In select cases, the damaged disc may be replaced with an artificial one to maintain mobility in the spine.