One of the most common causes of nerve pain is what is known as cervical myelopathy. The condition, which is most often seen in patients over the age of 50, is characterized by the compression of the spinal cord. Common symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. When symptoms don’t respond to rest and activity modification, an appointment with an orthopedic spine surgeon should be arranged.
Anatomy for Cervical Myelopathy
The spinal cord starts at the base of the skull and runs to the lower back. As it travels through the spinal canal, it branches out to innervate the muscles and organs of the body.
Illustration 1-The spinal cord and canal
Any disruption in the integrity of the cord can cause any or any combination of the above-mentioned symptoms. In most cases, symptom and compression severity go hand-in-hand.
Causes of Cervical Myelopathy
Arthritis and injury are the two main causes of cervical myelopathy. Patients who develop abnormalities in the vertebrae of their spine due to these two causes can in turn develop:
- Bone spurs. Untreated arthritis leads to the development of bone spurs, which can disturb the integrity of the spinal canal and compress the cord.
- A herniated disc. The intervertebral discs of the back act as spacers between adjacent vertebrae. A herniated, or slipped, disc is one that protrudes into the spinal canal.
As is the case with many spine conditions, symptom treatment depends on cause, severity, and other factors.
Treatments for Cervical Myelopathy
The goal of treatment is to take pressure off the cord.
Treatments can include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter and prescription medications called NSAIDs are used to decrease pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy. Stretching and strengthening the muscles of the spine can provide relief.
- If symptoms or cord compression are severe, non-surgical management would be inappropriate. However, in more severe cases some motion preserving options (disc arthroplasty or laminoplasty) can sometimes be an option depending on patient anatomy.
If patients do not respond to conservative treatment, effective minimally invasive surgical options can be considered. The goal of these minimally invasive procedures is to remove the small pieces of bone or disc material that are compressing the nerve and thus decompressing the spinal nerve.
Seeking Treatment for Cervical Myelopathy
Orthopedic spine surgeons are highly trained and qualified medical professionals who treat cervical myelopathy, and other spine conditions/injuries. If you’re experiencing spine pain, please don’t hesitate to contact our offices in Duxbury or Sandwich, MA to arrange an appointment with one of our specialists. Once your condition has been evaluated and diagnosed, you’ll be prescribed a treatment plan that leads to recovery.
The Spine Team at Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates consists of Physical Therapists, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialists and Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeons. Our goal is to design a treatment plan customized to your lifestyle and goals and we use the latest advancements in both non-surgical and Minimally Invasive spine care. We have offices located in both Duxbury and Sandwich, MA. Contact us today!