Cervical Myelopathy
Compression of the spinal cord in the neck is serious. Symptoms can be subtle at first and progressively disabling if untreated.
Also Called: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), spinal cord compression in the neck.
What It Is
Myelopathy means the spinal cord itself is under pressure, beyond any single nerve root. In the neck it develops gradually as bone spurs, a bulging disc, and thickened ligament narrow the space around the cord. The cord carries signals to and from the whole body below the neck. Compressing it affects the hands, legs, balance, and coordination. A pinched nerve, by comparison, causes pain in one specific area.
Causes & Risk Factors
Age-related degeneration is the most common cause. Some people are born with a narrow canal, so less change is needed before symptoms appear. An injury to an already-narrowed neck, from a fall or car accident, can bring on or worsen symptoms suddenly.
Symptoms
- Clumsiness or weakness in the hands
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks
- Heaviness or stiffness in the arms or legs
- Balance problems
- Symptoms are often subtle at first and can be mistaken for normal aging
There's no single right treatment for Cervical Myelopathy. The best plan depends on your imaging, your history, and your exam. The next step is a conversation about your specific case.
Dr. Hirsch is board-certified and Yale-trained. Read his full background.