Spinal cord compression is a potentially fatal condition that can cause permanent neurological damage or death. It happens when a mass, such as a tumor or an aneurysm, compresses the spinal cord. Pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking are some of the symptoms.
Degenerative myelopathy, which causes the loss of nerve connections between the brain and the spine, is a common cause of spinal cord compression. Tumors or swelling in the spinal cord can also cause the condition.
Spine Pain Caused by Myelopathy
Spine pain can be caused by various conditions, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs. Myelopathy, on the other hand, is one of the most common. Myelopathy refers to any condition that damages the spinal cord by compressing it.
When an abnormal collection of fluid or an abnormal mass presses against the spinal cord, this is referred to as spinal cord compression. This pressure can cause numbness and weakness in the legs, which can spread up into the arms and torso. Inflammation in the spinal column is also possible. The amount of pressure required to cause symptoms varies from person to person and is determined by how much spinal fluid is produced in each case.
Types of Myelopathy
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is also known as cervical stenosis, cervical spondylosis, or cervical myelopathy. It is a spinal cord disease caused by spondylosis, which is a degeneration of the spine’s bones and joints.
Spondylosis can develop naturally with age or as a result of trauma, such as an injury or sports-related event. Spondylosis frequently causes the spinal canal to narrow, compressing the spinal cord and nerves at that level.
You may experience the following symptoms if you have cervical myelopathy:
Back pain or stiffness that gets worse over time
Weakness or numbness in their arms or legs
Problems with bladder control
Loss of bowel control
Difficulty walking
Abnormal reflexes
Difficulty controlling muscle movements (spasticity)
Thoracic Myelopathy
Thoracic myelopathy is a condition that causes compression of the spinal cord in the thoracic region of the spine. The thoracic region comprises the ribs, vertebrae, and discs, which protect the spinal cord from injury.
Thoracic myelopathy can result in limb weakness or paralysis, arm and leg pain and numbness, loss of bladder control, and bowel problems. The symptoms typically do not appear until late in life, but they worsen over time.
This type of myelopathy is frequently caused by degenerative disc disease, which occurs when a disc between two vertebrae is damaged. Degenerative disc disease frequently develops with age and is linked to poor posture and obesity.
Lumbar Myelopathy
Lumbar myelopathy is a condition that affects the lower back or lumbar spine. It happens when the muscles in the lower back become weak. The weakness puts pressure on the spinal cord, making it difficult for a person to move their legs.
Symptoms of Spine Pain Caused by Myelopathy
The most common symptoms include:
Neck pain
Back pain
Tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet
Difficulty with fine motor skills (such as writing)
Balance or coordination issues (a loss of balance)
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Causes of Spine Pain Caused by Myelopathy
Spine pain caused by myelopathy can affect anyone. However, it is most common in people who are middle-aged or older. It may also occur in younger people with a family history of spinal stenosis or other spinal cord injury issues.
Spinal stenosis, ruptured or herniated discs and spinal tumors are some of the causes of myelopathy symptoms.
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease can also be associated with myelopathy symptoms.
Treatment for Spine Pain Caused by Myelopathy
Nonsurgical treatment is the mainstay of treatment for myelopathy. Treatment includes:
Medications
Nonspecific pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.), can help with pain management for myelopathy. For more severe or chronic pain, your doctor might prescribe an opioid medication such as codeine or tramadol (Ultram). These drugs are less addictive than morphine, oxycodone (OxyContin), or hydrocodone (Vicodin).
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are trained professionals who use exercise, manual therapy, and other techniques to help patients with back pain.
Physical therapists frequently use specialized equipment to help myelopathy patients improve their strength, range of motion, and balance. They may also suggest exercises to help increase mobility without causing further spinal injury.
Back or Neck Brace
If you’ve been diagnosed with myelopathy, your doctor may recommend wearing a back or neck brace. These braces are designed to support the spine and prevent further injury or damage.
The type of brace that’s right for you depends on the severity of your condition. Your doctor will discuss the various types of braces with you and determine which one is best.
Spinal Injections
Spinal injections are a standard treatment for spinal pain. They can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from herniated discs to nerve compression caused by tumors or other abnormalities.
Injections are typically administered into the spine’s epidural space, which is filled with a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The purpose of an epidural injection is to deliver medication directly into this space.
Surgery
A microdiscectomy is the most common surgical procedure used to treat spinal stenosis. It entails removing the bone and tissue, pinching the nerve root, and allowing it to heal and function again.
Microdiscectomy is a procedure that is performed through a small incision in the back of the neck. The surgeon removes the disc and any debris around the nerve root using special instruments.
Contact New York Spine Specialist for the Best Spine Treatment
Doctors who specialize in spine care treat diseases and injuries to the spine as well as disorders in other parts of the body that may be related to it. If you have back, neck, or upper extremity (hands and arms) pain or symptoms, a spine doctor from New York Spine Specialist is the logical person to see for an evaluation.
Our specialists will perform a thorough assessment to determine what conditions are causing you distress and the severity of those conditions. We can also offer various treatment options to assist with pain relief and prevention. Managing myelopathy pain can be difficult, but New York Spine Specialist can assist. We accept most insurance plans, including no-fault and workers’ compensation. Call us at (516) 355-0111 to speak with one of our representatives today.
