(Myelopathy, Cervical)
Definition
Definition
Cervical myelopathy is damage to the part of the spinal cord that is in the neck. The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull. It extends to the first seven vertebrae.
Cervical SpineCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
Cervical myelopathy is caused by:
- A slipped disk
- Cervical disks that are worn, known as degeneration
- Tumors inside the spinal cord or compressing on the spinal cord
- Bone spurs
- Dislocation or fracture of the neck
- Traumatic injury to the cervical spine
- Autoimmune disease, such as transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis, or neuromyelitis optica
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your risk of cervical myelopathy include:
- Infections
- Ischemia—restriction of blood supply
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica; or other conditions, such as vascular disease or degenerative disease
- History of bone or back problems
- Being born with a narrow spinal canal
- Job or sport involving regular stretching and straining of spine
- History of cancer involving the bones
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the shoulder and arms
- Tingling or numbness in the arms and legs
- Trouble walking or balancing
- Muscle weakness
- Problems flexing the neck
- Lightheadedness
- Problems with fine motor control, such as buttoning a shirt
- Irregular movements
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Weakness below the waist or in all four limbs
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on any muscle weakness. A neurological exam may also be done to check your:
- Reflexes
- Vision
- Mental state
Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:
Other tests may include:
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Somatosensory evoked potentials
- Visual evoked potential test (VEP)
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. This may involve:
- Treating the cause of the myelopathy
- Improving functions that you have lost
- Reducing or managing pain
- Doing strengthening exercises
- Teaching you ways to reduce injuries
- Helping you learn ways to cope with the condition
Surgery
If there is structural pressure on the spinal cord, you may need surgery right away. This is to attempt to avoid lasting injury. There are many different kinds of surgery and procedures to stabilize the neck, such as:
- Diskectomy —a surgical procedure to remove part of an intervertebral disc that is putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root
- Laminectomy —a surgical procedure to remove a portion of a vertebra, called the lamina
- Fusion of the vertebrae
Cervical FusionScrews and a plate prevent the vertebrae from putting pressure on the spinal cord.
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Nonsurgical Approaches
Nonsurgical approaches may include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Other approaches, such as ultrasound therapy, heat therapy, or electrical stimulation
- Plasmapheresis
Medication
Medications may help to relieve symptoms. Common medications include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen
- Corticosteroids
- Rituximab—This is an antibody used to treat some autoimmune disorders.
Other medications that affect the immune system are also sometimes used.
Prevention
Prevention
It is difficult to prevent this condition. Follow these guidelines to prevent accidents and strains:
- Ask about ergonomics in your workplace. Some examples of ergonomics include learning correct lifting techniques, improving your posture, and sitting correctly.
- Avoid contact sports if you have had disk disease with compression of the spinal cord.
- Limit neck movement.
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Take these measures to prevent falls:
- Remove throw rugs and other obstacles from the floor.
- Install a night light near the stairs and your bed.
- Install handrails in the tub and shower.
- Rise slowly from a seated or lying position.
RESOURCES:
Spinal Cord Resource Center—United Spinal Association http://www.spinalcord.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/specialty_areas/spine/conditions/cervical_myelopathy.html
Accessed November 20, 2014.
Check for safety: a home fall prevention checklist for older adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/Falls_ToolKit/DesktopPDF/English/booklet_Eng_desktop.pdf
Published 2005. Accessed November 20, 2014.
Matsushima T, Yaoita H, et al. Operated family cases of cervical canal stenosis. International Congress Series. 2004;1259:465-469.
Pollard H, Hansen L, et al. Cervical stenosis in a professional rugby league football player: a case report. Chiropractic & Osteopathy. 2005;13:15.
Spondylolysis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated March 7, 2014. Accessed November 20, 2014.
Young WB. Clinical diagnosis of myelopathy. Sem Ultrasound, CT, MRI. 1994;15:250-254.
Young WF. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in older persons. Am Fam Physician. 2000 Sep 1;62(5):1064-1070. Available at:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000901/1064.html
Accessed November 20, 2014.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014