What is Myelopathy?
Myelopathy describes any problem that affects or is related to the spinal cord. If you ask a spine surgeon from Spine Center of Texas about Myelopathy, you will learn that it is a severe condition that can bring about permanent spine injury or even paralysis and death. When something harmful presses against your spinal cord or there is pressure from a disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and bone spurs, this condition might arise.
Causes of Myelopathy
While everyday wear and tear, plus aging can cause this condition, below are the most common causes:
- Degenerative conditions of the spine, such as Spinal Stenosis, can cause Myelopathy. This is where the bony pathways of the spine where the nerves and spinal cord are located get narrow.
- Herniated Cervical Disc might bulge unusually or rupture. When this occurs, there might be a lot of pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune syndrome that inflames the synovium or the joint membrane. This inflammation usually damages the joints in the cervical spine and causes unusual vertebrae movement.
- Trauma or injury is one of the most common causes of Myelopathy. A car accident or sports injuries can make the neck to hyperextend, compressing the spinal cord.
- Hematomas, spinal tumors (bone cancers included) hernia, and cysts can also cause Myelopathy by pressing on the spinal cord.
Symptoms of Myelopathy
It is vital to note that the precise symptoms of the condition will be determined by where on the spine the Myelopathy has affected. For instance, the symptoms of cervical Myelopathy are likely to be manifested in the arms and the neck.
The symptoms of Myelopathy may include:
- Weakness, numbness, and tingling
- Pain in the lower back, arm, neck, or leg
- Challenges with motor skills, for example, buttoning a shirt or even writing
- Difficulty in coordination and balance
- Loss of Bowel and Urinary control
- Difficulty in walking
Myelopathy sometimes arises due to complications from of other diseases. This is why it is crucial to visit one of the doctorsfrom Spine Center of Texas for anaccurate diagnosis.
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