What is myelopathy?
Myelopathy is an injury to the spinal cord caused by severe compression that may be a result of spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, disc herniation, autoimmune disorders, or other trauma. When any part of the spinal cord is compressed, it causes nerve dysfunction. This can lead to pain, loss of balance, coordination problems, and numbness in the area around the compression point.
The condition can occur anywhere along the spinal cord, including the neck (cervical myelopathy), mid-back (thoracic myelopathy), or lower back (lumbar myelopathy).
If left untreated, myelopathy can lead to permanent spinal cord injury and nerve damage. Consulting a specialist early may help prevent lasting problems. Whether you need physical therapy or surgery, Penn Medicine’s spine care team works together to create a plan tailored to your needs.
Common symptoms of spinal cord compression
When the spinal cord is compressed or injured, it may cause a loss of sensation, loss of function, and pain or discomfort in the area at or below the compression point. Symptoms of myelopathy can vary based on where it occurs in the spine.
Myelopathy symptoms may include:
- Pain in the lower back, neck, arm, or leg
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness
- Decreased fine motor skills, balance, and coordination
- Abnormal or increased reflexes in extremities
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
What causes spinal cord compression?
Myelopathy is the result of compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots caused by inflammation, arthritis, bone spurs, or spinal degeneration due to aging. It may also occur suddenly after an injury or develop from a spine deformity present at birth.
Common causes of myelopathy are:
- Degenerative spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis
- Central disc herniations
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Abnormalities, such as tumors, cysts, hernias, and hematomas
- Spinal injury or infection
- Inflammatory disease
- Radiation therapy
- Neurological disorders
Tests used to diagnose myelopathy
A careful physical exam and review of medical history are often the first steps in diagnosing myelopathy. In some cases, the diagnosis may point to another underlying condition affecting the spinal cord.
Symptoms of myelopathy can overlap with other conditions. Imaging tests may help identify spinal cord compression. Tests that evaluate the health of muscles and nerves may also be used.
Treatment options for myelopathy
Treatment for myelopathy depends on the cause and any underlying conditions. Your treatment team will create an individualized treatment plan to help relieve symptoms and slow down progression. Nonsurgical treatment may include physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation, bracing, activity changes, or targeted spinal injections.
Surgery may be recommended if symptoms continue or if spinal cord compression is severe. Surgical procedures aim to remove the source of pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine when needed. Penn Medicine spine surgeons are highly experienced in performing the latest surgical techniques for the treatment of myelopathy.