Cervical Myelopathy: The Silent but Devastating Condition - Dr. Colum Nolan Speaks Out

Cervical myelopathy is a condition that affects the spinal cord in the neck region, leading to various neurological symptoms. This blog post aims to shed light on cervical myelopathy, its causes, common symptoms, diagnostic methods, and available treatment options. For a more in-depth understanding, you can watch the video presentation by Dr. Colum Nolan below.

Understanding Cervical Myelopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is Cervical Myelopathy?

Cervical myelopathy refers to a compression or damage to the spinal cord in the neck region (cervical spine). This condition can result from degenerative changes, such as herniated discs, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments,

which can narrow the spinal canal and put pressure on the spinal cord. The compression of the spinal cord interferes with its normal functioning, leading to a range of symptoms.

Causes and Risk Factors

The most common cause of cervical myelopathy is the degenerative changes that occur in the cervical spine over time. Aging, wear and tear, and spinal disc degeneration are significant contributing factors. Other causes may include spinal injuries, tumors, infections, or congenital abnormalities. Certain risk factors, such as a family history of spinal disorders, smoking, and poor posture, can increase the likelihood of developing cervical myelopathy.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Cervical myelopathy can manifest through a variety of symptoms, which may vary in severity and progression. Common symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, numbness or tingling in the arms, weakness, difficulty with coordination, and problems with balance and walking. To diagnose cervical myelopathy, a comprehensive evaluation is required, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies may also be performed to assess nerve function.

Treatment Options

The treatment of cervical myelopathy aims to relieve symptoms, halt the progression of the condition, and improve quality of life. Non-surgical approaches, including physical therapy, pain management, and medications, may be recommended initially. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, surgery may be necessary to decompress the spinal cord and stabilize the spine. Surgical procedures may involve removing bone spurs, herniated discs, or fusing the affected vertebrae. The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, the underlying cause, and the patient’s overall health.

Rehabilitation and Lifestyle Modifications

Following treatment, rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications are crucial for optimizing recovery and preventing future complications. Physical therapy and exercise programs help improve strength, flexibility, and overall function. Patients may also benefit from ergonomic adjustments, such as maintaining good posture, using supportive pillows, and avoiding activities that strain the neck. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, can promote overall spinal health and reduce the risk of further degenerative changes.

Conclusion

Cervical myelopathy can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, but with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, its symptoms can be managed effectively. Seeking medical attention for persistent neck pain or neurological symptoms is crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis and explore the most suitable treatment options for cervical myelopathy. For more detailed insights, watch the video presentation by Dr. Colum Nolan.

Author

Dr. Colum Nolan

Medical Director
Oxford Spine and Neurosurgery Centre

Dr Colum Nolan is the Medical Director at Oxford Spine and Neurosurgery Centre, located at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital in Singapore. He is an experienced Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon with a subspecialty in Spine Surgery.

Dr Colum Nolan graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2001 and underwent Basic Surgical Training in Dublin, Ireland. He was exposed to Neurosurgery during his internship and decided at an early stage to pursue this as a specialty.

He underwent comprehensive neurosurgery training in Ireland and also at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia where he did an intra-residency fellowship at Senior Registrar level from 2012 to 2013. He then further pursued his interest in complex spine surgery and gained extensive experience as a spinal fellow at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, UK from 2013 to 2014 which also involved rotating to the Orthopaedic Spine Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

He gained a wide variety of experience in the management of degenerative spine disorders (disc herniations, spinal stenosis, spinal cord compression, spondylolisthesis and spinal deformity/scoliosis) as well as complex spinal tumours and fractures and developed his skills in minimally invasive spine surgery.
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