Is cervical myelopathy serious?

Cervical myelopathy is a serious condition affecting the cervical spine, and if left untreated it can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death. In most cases, this is an urgent surgical condition. Myelopathy describes any neurologic symptoms related to dysfunction of the spinal cord.

What is the most common cause of cervical myelopathy?

The most common cause of myelopathy is when the spinal cord is compressed, or squeezed. This compression disrupts normal nerve transmission. Arthritis of the spine, or spondylosis is the most common reason the spinal cord is compressed. Spondylosis refers to degenerative, or age-related, changes in the spine.

What is Laminoplasty surgery?

Laminoplasty is performed only on the vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). It opens up the space within the spinal canal by creating a hinge on the lamina. Metal hardware bridges the gap in the opened section of the spine.

What is the best treatment for cervical myelopathy?

MRI scans are the preferred diagnostic method for cervical myelopathy, but other methods can also be used to help rule out other conditions. Cervical myelopathy is best treated with spine decompression surgery.

Can cervical myelopathy heal without surgery?

How is Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy treated without surgery? In milder cases, CSM can be treated without surgery. The goal of nonsurgical treatment is to decrease pain and improve the patient’s ability to perform daily activities.

Can cervical nerve damage be repaired?

Can it be cured? Although there are several very good nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available to relieve the symptoms of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy, there is no cure, per se, for the degenerative changes in the cervical spine that caused the symptoms.

Does cervical myelopathy require surgery?

At Mayo Clinic, patients with suspected cervical myelopathy have MRI to check for spinal cord compression. If the MRI and clinical findings correlate and result in a diagnosis of cervical myelopathy, surgery is typically recommended.

Is laminoplasty a major surgery?

Laminoplasty is a common but major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options.

What is the success rate of cervical Laminoplasty?

The success rate is dependent upon the underlying condition requiring surgery. A large majority of patients see significant pain relief with the surgery. 75% of patients with spinal cord compression and myelopathy see improvement in those symptoms.

Is surgery necessary for cervical myelopathy?

Cervical Myelopathy Treatment There are some nonsurgical options for relieving cervical myelopathy symptoms, including physical therapy and a cervical collar brace. However, to eliminate the compression of the spinal cord and prevent worsening of the condition, surgery is often necessary.