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Myelopathy is a general term, referring to any kind of nerve disorder or neurological deficit related to your spine.
When myelopathy occurs because of an accident or some kind of trauma, it is referred to as a spinal cord injury. Myelopathy can also occur as a result of inflammation or circulatory disorder, and may come on gradually. If you have questions about your condition or any symptoms that you might be experiencing, consult with your doctor or make an appointment with our expert surgeons to determine the best course of treatment for you.
People with myelopathy may find that they have trouble with activities requiring coordination, like walking downstairs or tying your shoes. It is common to experience issues with finding your balance, walking, or muscle weakness.
Because myelopathy can be caused by a number of different pathologies, the process for determining its origin can be extensive.
In some cases, with a sudden accident or trauma, the onset of the condition can be rapid. In the most common form of myelopathy, cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), the symptoms develop more slowly over time, as a result of degeneration and aging. Disorders like osteoporosis can affect the spinal column, and cause myelopathy.
Symptoms may go unnoticed initially, but you should consult your doctor if you start to experience any of the following:
The proper treatment for myelopathy depends on its cause.
The most effective treatment for myelopathy is typically by decompressing the spine through surgery. This helps to prevent additional progression of the myelopathy and provide some relief from the symptoms.
There are several surgical procedures used to treat myelopathy, dependent on the location of the symptoms and the condition of the spine. These include:
Laminectomy: removal of the back of one or more vertebrae, which helps to relieve pressure on the nerves.
Laminoplasty: removal of any thickened ligament, which expands the spinal canal and elevates the lamina (the arched portion of the vertebrae that forms the “roof” of the spinal canal)
Discectomy: removal of a herniated disc, to relieve pressure on the nerves
Corpectomy: removal of the damaged part of the vertebra and adjacent discs
If you’re experiencing pain or your condition has started to worsen, consult with your doctor, or make an appointment with the Q Spine Institute team to discuss the best kind of treatment for you.
Experiencing back or neck pain? Use our pain assessment tool to determine possible treatments for chronic or worsening symptoms.