Myelopathy
Myelopathy is a condition in which the spinal cord is compressed. This condition could also be used to refer to a spinal cord deficit or disorder. As pressure is placed on the spinal cord, this can greatly affect the anatomy of the spine and cause a variety of symptoms. This condition most commonly occurs in the cervical and thoracic area of the spine.
Causes of Myelopathy
This condition can stem from a number of factors, below are some of the leading causes of myelopathy:
- Age: Natural degeneration over time can lead to myelopathy.
- Existing conditions: Spinal conditions like spinal stenosis, bone spurs and herniated discs can all cause myelopathy.
- Trauma: Injuries sustained from traumatic accidents or sports can contribute to this condition.
- Excess weight: Extra weight can place harmful pressure on the spinal cord and cause myelopathy.
- Genetics: If there is a family history of spinal conditions or defects, there is a higher risk of developing this condition.
Symptoms of Myelopathy
As the spinal cord is compressed, a variety of symptoms can arise. Here are some of the top signs and symptoms of this condition:
- Numbness and tingling
- Chronic pain
- Localized pain
- Muscle weakness
- Limited mobility
Treatments
Our board-certified spine specialists target all spinal conditions with the leading treatment options. All conditions are initially treated using conservative forms of treatment. If controlled methods fail, our physicians will recommend our minimally invasive decompression procedures. Decompression surgeries directly reverse the effects of myelopathy. Our spine surgeries have a short recovery time and are low risk.
Receive the best care at OC Spine Center and get relief today! Contact us to book your consultation.