A Description of Cervical Myelopathy
A degenerative condition called cervical myelopathy is caused by compression of the cervical spinal cord. Herniated discs, degenerative illnesses, severe spinal traumas, hereditary restriction of the spinal canal in the neck, and degenerative diseases are a few issues that might cause this compression.
Intervertebral discs, which act as "cushions" or "shock absorbers" between the vertebrae (bones), link the seven vertebrae of the cervical spine. Cartilage covers facet joints, so termed because they link the bones. Ligaments also connect the bones to one another. These parts, which also control flexibility and stability, allow the neck to move.
Why does cervical myelopathy occur?
Cervical myelopathy has a wide range of causes, including:
Sickness that is becoming worse (spinal cord compression and cervical spinal stenosis)
As we age, our spine's ligaments, joints, discs, and bones may degrade. Bone spurs may also form. These degenerative processes may cause the spinal cord's passage through the spinal canal to constrict, which might compress the spinal cord. The nerve roots may compress as a result of these changes, perhaps leading to a reduction in the size of the foramina, or the apertures where the nerve roots exit the spine. The symptoms and indicators of this specific type of spinal cord compression are called cervical spondylotic myelopathy. An age-related condition called cervical spondylotic myelopathy is more common in those over 50.
Herniated disc
When some of the disc's interior elements leak out, the disc herniates. A flexible, jelly-like inside and a hard, rubbery exterior make up the spinal disc. The jelly-like contents of a herniated spinal disc can aggravate and put pressure on nearby nerves. Furthermore, cervical myelopathy and spinal cord compression could manifest. Physical strain from strenuous activities like heavy lifting or demanding sports can result in a herniated spinal disc.
Spinal canal constriction that is congenital
Some people have constrained spinal canals from birth, which increases their risk of developing cervical myelopathy issues in later life.
Injury to or trauma to the cervical spine
Each damage to the spine has the potential to affect the spinal cord. Spinal fractures or instability may be to blame for this. Injuries can occasionally happen even in the absence of a fracture or spinal instability. A person is more likely to sustain an injury following a fall or accident if they already have spinal canal compression and/or spinal cord compression as a result of disc herniation or a degenerative disease (often without any symptoms). Trauma of any severity has the ability to degrade.
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
The posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine is more prone to ossification (or hardening) (OPLL). This ligament protects the discs located within the spinal canal as well as the posterior surfaces of the vertebrae. The ligament can result in cervical myelopathy and gradual spinal cord compression as it grows larger, less flexible, and bone-like, taking up more space inside the spinal canal.
Other components
Cervical myelopathy can also result from less frequent reasons such spinal infections and cancer. Myelopathy can also be brought on by other neurological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and certain inflammatory diseases. They are frequently not caused by spinal cord compression.
What signs of cervical myelopathy are present?
Common symptoms of cervical myelopathy include stiffness and reduced range of motion in the neck, which are linked to cervical spine deterioration. Compression of the spinal cord is a factor in the development of cervical myelopathy symptoms. Patients with spinal cord compression frequently experience nerve root compression, and these patients may exhibit symptoms of both illnesses. The following are some indications:
Other components
There is pressure on the nerve roots (Radiculopathy)
soreness in the neck that extends down the arm (usually on one side but can be both sides). There are instances when the agony can be unbearable.
tingling, numbness, or a "pins and needles" feeling down the arm. It commonly occurs in conjunction with agony, and its distribution mirrors that of pain.
Weakness in the hands, fingers, or arms, either one or both
The signs and symptoms of cervical myelopathy frequently develop worse with time. Any symptom deterioration could happen gradually or suddenly (acute deterioration can occur with even minor trauma)
Individuals who are susceptible to cervical myelopathy
Age
Although cervical myelopathy is frequently caused by spinal degeneration, age is still the greatest risk factor.
Lifestyle
Moreover, variables related to your lifestyle can influence your risk of developing cervical myelopathy. Cervical myelopathy risk may be decreased by leading an active, healthy lifestyle, giving up smoking, and consuming less alcohol.
Cervical myelopathy: How is it identified?
Cervical myelopathy symptoms can coexist with those of a number of other diseases. It's common to write off symptoms as unavoidable aspects of aging. Your doctor's diagnosis will typically be based on the findings of a clinical assessment, which includes a thorough history taking (paying particular attention to when your problems started, how your symptoms changed over time, and whether you recently sustained any injuries, etc.) and a physical examination. An MRI scan frequently confirms the clinical impression.
In Singapore, what medical techniques are utilized to treat cervical myelopathy?
Nonsurgical Alternatives
For minor situations, non-surgical therapy approaches might be investigated and shown to be successful. To alleviate the symptoms, this would necessitate both physical therapy and medicine.
Medical procedures
In order to protect the spinal cord and increase your chances of recovery, Dr. Nolan, a cervical myelopathy specialist from Oxford Spine may advise surgical therapy if your spinal cord is severely compressed and you are experiencing more severe symptoms. Depending on the precise issue, these surgical procedures might be carried out from either the front or the back of your neck. Surgery is performed to free the spinal cord from pressure and, if necessary, to stabilize the spine.