Cervical Myelopathy is a serious condition that often goes unnoticed until it starts affecting daily life in alarming ways. It occurs when the spinal cord in the neck (cervical spine) is compressed or damaged due to various reasons, most commonly age-related degenerative changes, herniated discs, or spinal injuries. While it may start with subtle symptoms, if left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage and disability.
🔍 What Causes Cervical Myelopathy?
The cervical spine houses a portion of the spinal cord responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When this spinal cord is compressed—either by a bulging disc, bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or narrowing of the spinal canal—it interrupts those signals, resulting in the symptoms of cervical myelopathy.
Some common causes include:
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the neck)
- Herniated disc
- Trauma or injury to the neck
- Tumors or infections affecting the spine
⚠️ Symptoms to Watch Out For
Cervical myelopathy often develops slowly, which is why many people ignore the early signs. However, recognizing the symptoms early can make a huge difference in treatment outcomes.
- Numbness or tingling in hands and fingers
- Weakness or clumsiness in the hands
- Difficulty with fine motor skills (e.g., buttoning a shirt)
- Imbalance or unsteady gait while walking
- Neck stiffness or pain
- Urinary urgency or incontinence in advanced stages
- Muscle spasms in arms or legs
These symptoms may seem minor at first, but they indicate significant issues within the spinal cord. If left untreated, the damage may become permanent.
🧠What Happens If It’s Not Treated?
The longer the spinal cord remains compressed, the more damage it sustains. Untreated cervical myelopathy can lead to:
- Permanent nerve injury
- Loss of hand and leg function
- Paralysis in severe cases
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Increased risk of falls and fractures
- Overall poor quality of life
Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent these complications.
🏥 Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination followed by imaging tests such as an MRI, X-ray, or CT scan. These help in visualizing the spine and identifying the areas of compression.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be managed with physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. However, moderate to severe cases often require surgical decompression, where pressure on the spinal cord is relieved to prevent further damage.
âś… Take Action Early
If you’re experiencing any symptoms like hand numbness, neck pain, or balance issues, don’t ignore them. Early consultation with a spine specialist is crucial to prevent long-term complications. Cervical Myelopathy is treatable, especially when caught in the early stages.
