Myelopathy is a condition that occurs due to injury to the spinal cord. Like other spinal injuries, this condition could also become severe if timely treatment is not provided. Basically, this is a condition that occurs due to severe compression, and it results due to different causes. Spinal problems are debilitating as they make the affected person confined to making only limited movements. Not only this but the treatment of such conditions is also difficult.
Sometimes, the surgical procedures that are carried out to treat spinal problems also require Ortho Implants that are specifically made to be used in the spinal region. Well, our focus in this post is to talk about myelopathy, so, let us start with a brief introduction about the condition.
What is Myelopathy?
Myelopathy is an injury to the spinal cord that results due to severe compression. Now, there are multiple causes of severe compression and some of them include:
- Disc degeneration
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated disc
- Autoimmune disorders
- Traumatic injuries
What Are the Types of Myelopathies?
Myelopathy can occur in any region of the spine, and based on that the condition can be defined as:
Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy is known to be the most common form of the condition. It is seen around the neck region of the spine. In some people, neck pain could be one of the symptoms of cervical myelopathy.
Thoracic Myelopathy
When myelopathy affects the mid-region of the spine, the condition is known as thoracic myelopathy. The bone spurs, herniated discs, or spinal trauma could cause severe compression in this region while leading to thoracic myelopathy.
Lumbar Myelopathy
Lumbar myelopathy is known to be a rare condition, and it occurs in the lower region of the spine.
What Are the Symptoms of Myelopathy?
Spinal cord compression leads to loss of sensation, and that also causes other complications. Some of the common symptoms associated with myelopathy include:
- Pain in the neck, arm, or leg
- Difficulty in walking
- Loss of bowel and urinary control
- Weakness and feeling of tingling & numbness
- Problems with fine motor skills that include buttoning a shirt or tying shoelaces
- Problems in maintaining balance and coordination
How Myelopathy is Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of the condition is often made by performing imaging tests. Some of the common ones include:
- X-ray
- MRI
- Myelography
- Electromyogram or Somatosensory Evoked Potentials
Besides these imaging tests, the healthcare service provider will also ask questions related to the medical history and any injuries that the patient has faced recently. Right answers to all such questions will help in making the right diagnosis.
How Myelopathy is treated?
Myelopathy can be treated surgically or non-surgically based on the severity of the condition.
Non-Surgical Treatment
If the condition is mild, the doctor always suggests non-surgical treatment that includes bracing, medication to curb pain & inflammation, and bracing. This technique helps relieve painful symptoms associated with the condition but does not remove compression.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is often required in severe cases to remove compression and relieve pressure from the spinal cord. Surgery may also be required if bone spurs or disc herniation is the cause of the condition. Surgery may also require spinal implants and other orthopedic devices.
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