QI Spine Blog


Myelopathy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

QI Spine Clinic, 5 days ago

If you want to learn what is myelopathy, its causes, symptoms, and treatment, then read further. Myelopathy is a spinal cord disorder caused by spinal cord compression. The compression may occur due to spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, disc herniation, trauma, or autoimmune disorders. It is a neurological condition that causes loss of balance, pain, numbness, and loss of coordination. Myelopathy can occur in any part of the spinal cord. For example, if it occurs in the neck, it is called cervical myelopathy. If it occurs in the middle region, it is called thoracic myelopathy, and if it occurs in the lower part of the spine, it is called lumbar myelopathy. If it is not treated on time, it can cause permanent nerve damage and injury to the spine.

Causes of Myelopathy

Myelopathy can occur due to compression of nerve roots and spinal cord. It may be caused due to bone spurs, inflammation, spinal degeneration, and arthritis. It is important to determine the root cause of myelopathy to get the best possible treatment. Other causes of myelopathy are:
  • Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis
  • Herniation of spinal discs
  • Degenerative diseases such as spinal stenosis
  • Injury to the spinal cord
  • Tumors, cysts, and herniation
  • Neurological problems

Symptoms of Myelopathy

Many nerves get affected due to myelopathy. The nerves control different movements and functions in the body. Symptoms of myelopathy depend on the part of the spinal cord affected. Common symptoms of myelopathy are:
  • Pain in the back
  • Tingling, weakness and numbness in the arms, legs, and feet
  • Imbalance of the body
  • Reflexive changes in the extremities
  • Motor skills, such as holding an object, are affected
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

Treatment of Myelopathy

An orthopaedic doctor will determine the cause of myelopathy to give the best treatment of myelopathy. The treatment depends on the causes & symptoms of the patient. The orthopaedic doctor at the QI spine clinic can make an individualised treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and slow down the progress of the condition.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Non-invasive treatment of myelopathy includes the following: Physical exercises to strengthen the back muscles Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain Bracing may be done to support the spinal structure Steroidal injections may be given in the spine to reduce inflammation and pain The orthopaedic doctors at the QI spine clinic offer non-invasive treatment in most cases until surgery is required. Therefore, you can consult with an orthopaedic doctor at the QI spine clinic to get the best treatment for myelopathy.  Lifestyle modifications

Surgical Treatment

The orthopaedic doctor will take your medical history and may order tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to determine the condition of your spine. After determining the cause and symptoms, your doctor will decide if surgical treatment is required to remove abnormalities and reduce pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. Surgical treatment includes:
  • Spinal fusion
  • Laminectomy
  • Discectomy
  • Foraminotomy
  • Replacement of discs

Conclusion

Myelopathy occurs due to spinal compression. It is a neurological condition caused due to spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, inflammatory diseases, etc. The symptoms depend on the type of myelopathy and include pain, numbness, tingling, and loss of function in the affected part. Early treatment and diagnosis can help to relieve pressure on the nerves and spinal cord can prevent further damage. Therefore, consult with an orthopaedic doctor immediately if you experience pain or tingling in the arms or legs. 

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FAQs

If you experience difficulty in walking, loss of balance, numbness, tingling, and weakness in your arms and legs you should immediately meet an orthopedic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Yes, you can start doing your routine work after recovering. Your doctor will work with you and advise you on physical exercises to improve the muscle strength. Your recovery depends on your individual symptoms and condition including the severity of myelopathy, and the type of surgery.

If myelopathy is not diagnosed and treated on time, it may cause paralysis. Therefore, it is important to contact an orthopaedic doctor if you experience back pain, tingling, and numbness in the arms and legs.

Cervical myelopathy is the compression of the nerves and spinal cord. It occurs naturally and is an age-related disorder. Therefore, it is not possible to prevent it. You can reduce the risk of developing it by doing regular physical exercises and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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