Myelopathy occurs when long-term pressure on the spinal cord may lead to weakness, numbness, or more permanent balance issues. A myriad of symptoms may occur when the spinal cord malfunctions due to that extensive pressure. Understanding the causes of myelopathy and exploring your treatment options are important steps toward recovery.
Myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord becomes compressed, most often in the neck or upper back, disrupting the signals that travel between the brain and the rest of the body.
Most people describe myelopathy as clumsiness in the hands, weakness in the arms or legs, and difficulty with balance or walking. It can also cause neck pain, numbness, or, in some cases, changes in bladder or bowel control.
POSH specialists offer a range of treatments to help patients manage myelopathy, tailored to each patient’s individual needs. What is most important is that patients seek immediate evaluation if they believe they may have some or all of the symptoms mentioned above.
Myelopathy typically develops when nearby tissue puts long-term pressure on the spinal cord. Common causes include:
Diagnosing myelopathy starts with a thorough evaluation by a POSH spine specialist. Our specialists typically evaluate patients by:
Because myelopathy can progress quickly without treatment, a POSH specialist may discuss surgical options early in your treatment cycle if the diagnostic findings indicate significant pressure on the neural structures and your clinical presentation is concerning for permanent harm. These procedures may include:
