Myelopathy

Often related to wear and tear on the body over time, myelopathy is an injury to the spinal cord caused by a severe compression. More specifically, myelopathy can be the result of spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, disc herniation, autoimmune disorders or other such trauma. A compressed nerve can then cause pain and numbness in the affected area, as well as a loss of balance, coordination, and fine motor skills. There are three main types depending on where the compression is, which include cervical myelopathy in the upper spine, thoracic myelopathy in the mid-spine, and lumbar myelopathy in the lower spine. If left untreated, myelopathy can lead to permanent spinal cord injury and nerve damage.

Bracing, epidural injections, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) drugs and oral corticosteroids can all be a part of a nonsurgical treatment plan. The exact nonsurgical treatment needed depends on the affected area’s location, cause and progression. If surgery is deemed necessary, there are several procedures, which aim to remove any abnormalities causing the decompression and reduce pressure on the spinal cord. Surgical treatment options include spinal decompression surgery, cervical fusion, discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, and disc replacement surgery. The specific surgery required to provide relief will depend on the results of advanced diagnostic testing.