Spinal Cord Compression North West Palm Beach County Port St. Lucie Ft Fort Pierce Vero Beach US Virgin Islands Jupiter Island Florida FL

Myelopathy is a term used to refer diseases that affect the spinal canal. One of the most common neck conditions that occurs with age is cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Over time the normal wear and tear effects of aging can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal.

Spinal cord compression is a very common neck condition affecting older people in the United States. Repeated trauma from activities such as carrying heavy loads or sports increases the risk of CSM. The gradual wear and tear because of aging causes narrowing of the spinal canal that leads to compression of the spinal canal.

Symptoms usually begin after the age of 50, but can occur earlier if there was an injury to the spine at a younger age. Many people with CSM will have steady progression of their disease. Once symptoms start, they tend to continue. Some of the common symptoms experienced are:

Pain and stiffness of the neck
Loss of balance and coordination
Tingling sensation and numbness
Weakness; troubling lifting objects, dropping things

Diagnosis

Your doctor may ask about your symptoms and examine your neck to look for any abnormal reflexes, numbness and atrophy of muscles. Some of the diagnostic tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, and myelogram may be done to confirm the diagnosis. Myelogram is a special type of computed tomography (CT) scan in which a dye is injected prior to the scan in order to get a clearer outline of the spinal cord.

Treatment Options:

Nonsurgical Treatment

Nonsurgical methods provide temporary relief from the symptoms in some case. However, in many cases surgery is advised as non-operative treatment will not reverse the compression most of the time.

If non-operative measures are tried, these options include:

Soft Collars: Soft collars can be worn to allow the neck muscles to rest and restrict neck movements. This also helps in decreasing the pinching of nerve roots during movement. These collars should only be worn for short periods of time, as they will decrease the strength of neck muscles.
Exercise: Simple exercises help to improve the strength and flexibility of your neck  may lessen discomfort.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be taken to reduce swelling and painful symptoms.
Epidural steroid injections: Cortisone injections are given directly into the epidural space to decrease swelling as well as pain.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery of the spine is considered in case your symptoms do not alleviate with the conservative treatment methods. The main goal of surgery is to relieve cord compression. Sometimes a fusion will also be needed depending on your condition. Whether to have surgery or not is a complex decision that that needs to be made between you and your doctor. The four common operations for CSM include:

ACDF
Corpectomy
Cervical Laminoplasty
Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion

Back Conditions

Dr. Lenard can help reduce or eliminate the back pain caused by these back conditions:

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve) Treatment

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy is the clinical term for a condition which irritates the nerve in the cervical spine (neck). It is commonly called “pinched nerve” and it is caused by injury to the root of a spinal nerve. The discs between the bones of the spine bulge and lose height as we age, causing a nerve to become “pinched” by the bones. This results in sharp pain, or “pins and needles” sensation, or even numbness in the neck, shoulder, and arms. Read More

Spinal Cord Compression

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy is a condition where the spinal canal in the neck narrows, compressing the spinal cord and causing pain and stiffness in the neck, loss of balance, and a tingling sensation or numbness. CSM is usually caused by wear and tear from age. It is most common in people over the age of 50, although it can occur earlier if they have had an injury to the spine at a young age. Surgery is advised in many cases of CSM because nonsurgical treatments cannot reverse the compression most of the time. Read More

Herniated Disc

The flexible cartilage discs between the bones of the spinal column are filled with a soft gel that cushions the bones and allows the spine to twist and bend. Degeneration or damage to a disc can cause this gel to leak into the spinal canal and press against the nerve, causing pain. Read More

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis & Cervical Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis is a condition caused by narrowing of the spinal canal, which holds the spinal cord and nerve roots. Spinal stenosis in the lower back is called lumbar spinal stenosis and cause aching pain in the back, which can radiate into the buttocks, legs, and even feet. Stenosis in the neck is called cervical stenosis and causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg, foot, arm, or hand, and can also cause balance problems. Spinal stenosis is most commonly a result of advanced age, although some people can be born with it. Read More

Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis

Stress Fracture in the Spinal Column

A Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in one of the bones in the spinal column. It is the most common cause of lower back pain in adolescent athletes. Spondylolisthesis is when the fractured bone cannot maintain its position and begins to slip out of place, possibly slipping far enough to put pressure on the spinal nerves. Read More

Scoliosis

Lateral Curve of the Spine

A lateral (sideways) curve in the normally straight vertical spine is referred to as scoliosis. Small curves do not cause any problems, but larger ones often cause discomfort and pain. Scoliosis can occur at any age and is more common in females than males. Read More

Spinal Fracture

Medical Term Here

A Spinal Fracture is a break in one or more of the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. Depending on the extent of the injury, the ligaments that surround the vertebrae and the cartilage discs between may be torn as well. A spinal fracture can be anything from a single break to bones shattered into many pieces. Although severe fractures typically result from extreme trauma to the back, a spine weakened from osteoporosis (low bone density) can fracture as a result of less intense activity, such as heavy lifting or twisting too quickly. Read More

Degenerative Disc Disease

Pain Caused by a Damaged Disc

Degenerative Disc Disease, despite its name, is not exactly a disease. It is a condition which causes pain from damage to one of the discs between the bones of the spine. It most often occurs in the lower back and neck. Read More

Failed Prior Surgeries

Regardless of your past results, Dr. Lenard may be able to help. What many surgeons have been unable to resolve, Dr. Lenard can fix. Just because you have been told that you cannot be helped, does not make it so. Read More

Spinal Cord Compression

Diagnosis

Treatment Options:

Nonsurgical Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Back Conditions

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve) Treatment

Cervical Radiculopathy

Spinal Cord Compression

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Herniated Disc

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis & Cervical Stenosis

Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis

Stress Fracture in the Spinal Column

Scoliosis

Lateral Curve of the Spine

Spinal Fracture

Medical Term Here

Degenerative Disc Disease

Pain Caused by a Damaged Disc

Failed Prior Surgeries

Contact Dr. Alexander Lenard

Call 561-836-7248