Cervical Myelopathy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Cervical Myelopathy is a neurological impairment that causes spinal cord dysfunction. It most commonly occurs in older patients with gait imbalance, hand clumsiness, numbness and tingling in the extremities. Here we discuss the causes, symptoms, and various treatments available for Cervical Myelopathy in Dubai.
What Causes Cervical Myelopathy?
Cervical Myelopathy can be caused due to the following reasons:
- Age-related wear and tear in the cervical spine
- Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament
- Reduced flexibility of soft tissues in the neck
- Spinal infections
- Cervical spine trauma
- Rheumatoid arthritis of the neck
- Tumors in the spine
What are the Symptoms of Cervical Myelopathy?
Patients with cervical Myelopathy suffer two types of symptoms; ones felt in the neck and those that occur below the compressed area of the spinal cord or in other parts of the body. The symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Reduced range of motion of the neck
- Clumsiness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness of the arms or legs
- Increased reflexes in the lower and upper extremities, below the level of the lesion
Cervical Myelopathy Treatment Options
Non-surgical treatment
The aim of non-surgical treatment is to decrease pain and improve the patient’s ability to perform daily activities. Non-surgical treatments are generally recommended for patients with mild or moderate Cervical Myelopathy. Non-surgical treatment may include:
- Physical therapy (physiotherapy)
- Various forms of home exercises
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Surgical treatments
Surgery is the last resort treatment for Cervical Myelopathy. Surgeries eliminate the compression of the spinal cord and prevent the patient’s condition from worsening. Given below are some surgeries that can be performed depending on symptoms and overall health of the patient:
Laminectomy
Cervical Laminectomy is a common surgery used for managing Cervical Myelopathy. It is performed from the back of the neck to relieve pressure on spinal cords and nerves. It involves the removal of the bony roof (laminae) of the spinal canal or soft tissue that may be causing compression. Nowadays most surgeons would combine a laminectomy with a fusion, to reduce the chances of post-laminectomy kyphosis (forward tilt of the neck).
Laminoplasty
Laminoplasty is an alternative to Laminectomy. In this technique, instead of taking out the laminae, it is thinned on one side and then cut on the other side to make a hinge. It allows the surgeon to address adjacent spine segments or levels that may be mildly compressed.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
ACDF is the commonest operation performed from the front of the cervical spine. This is typically used when it is disc material compressing the spinal cord. This may be done at one, two, three, or even more levels.
Dr. Sherief is one of the most recognized spinal surgeons for cervical myelopathy pain treatment in Dubai. He thoroughly evaluates the patient and treats their condition with a personalized set of treatments.
Dr. Sherief is one of the most recognized spinal surgeons for cervical myelopathy pain treatment in Dubai. He thoroughly evaluates the patient and treats their condition with a personalized set of treatments.