Cervical myelopathy is an injury that affects the spinal cord. This damage is known as cervical myelopathy because it occurs at the neck. This part of the spinal cord is known as the cervical spine and is made up of seven vertebrae. Cervical myelopathy is a type of spinal cord compression that is caused by certain types of injury.
Cervical myelopathy can be caused by a slipped disk in the spine. Moreover, it can be caused when the disks in the spine get worn out. This is also known as degeneration. Also, cervical myelopathy can be caused by something causing pressure upon the spinal cord. A dislocated spinal vertebrae can cause this pressure. In addition to that, a tumor growing in the spinal cord can also cause this pressure. Spurs of the bones in the spinal column can also cause cervical myelopathy symptoms. In addition, any dislocation or fractures that happen on the neck can cause this condition. This can be caused by any traumatic injury to the neck. This condition can also be caused by diseases resulting from the immune system working against the body. These diseases are known as autoimmune diseases. Examples of these are multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica and transverse myelitis.
The most obvious symptoms exhibited by sufferers of this condition are clumsiness when handling things with their hands. Moreover, anyone with this condition has an imbalanced gait while walking. They can also complain of pain in their shoulders as well as arms. Moreover, their muscles get weak and they experience fits of lightheaded feelings. They can also become incapable of performing activities that require great eye-hand coordination. Examples of such activities are buttoning up shirts as well as tying a tie. They also experience limited neck movement. This is because any movement of the neck is accompanied by pain. Over time, they develop problems with bowel movements as well as experience lack of bladder control. This further escalates to general weakness below the waist.
It is very important to seek medical attention as soon as you suffer any of these cervical myelopathy symptoms. In this case, the medical practitioner that you will contact will investigate your medical background. After this, they will administer a neurological exam. This is a series of tests that will analyse your reflexes, mental capability as well as vision. Moreover, they can take tests such as X Rays, CT scan and MRI scan as well. In addition to these, the doctor will conduct a Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) test and an Electromyography (EMG). These tests are done to determine if you have the cervical myelopathy and the status of your condition if you have it.
This condition can be corrected by use of surgeries. One of these is the disketomy. This is a surgery where the disks causing pressure on the spinal cord are cut so that the pressure is relieved. Another surgery is the laminectomy. This is done to remove a piece of any vertebrae causing the pressure. After these, there is after surgery therapy. In this therapy, activities such as strength exercises and pain management are conducted.