Cervical Myelopathy Treatments in Plano, TX
Specialties
If you’re dealing with weakness in your hands, trouble walking, or ongoing neck pain, you may be suffering from cervical myelopathy, a serious condition caused by compression of the spinal cord in the neck.
At Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, we help individuals across North Texas find relief from the symptoms of cervical spinal cord compression. Under the guidance of board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Stephen P. Courtney, our team delivers reliable care through advanced imaging, accurate diagnoses, and tailored treatment plans.
Our goal is to reduce pain, restore movement, and help you get back to doing what you love. Call (972) 499-5457 or contact us online to request an appointment today.
Understanding the Cervical Spine
The cervical spine is the upper section of your backbone, comprising seven vertebrae that extend from the base of the skull to the shoulders. These bones create the spinal canal, which surrounds and protects the spinal cord as it travels through the neck. The spinal canal acts like a tunnel, allowing nerve signals to move from the brain to the rest of the body. When this space becomes too tight, it can cause spinal cord compression, leading to neck pain, neurologic symptoms, and other serious problems.
What Is Cervical Myelopathy?
Cervical myelopathy is a condition that happens when the spinal cord becomes compressed or irritated in the cervical spine, usually due to degenerative changes, cervical stenosis, or traumatic injury. Pressure on the cervical spinal cord can interfere with messages between your brain and body, causing problems like lower extremity weakness, trouble walking, or even loss of bladder function. When left untreated, spinal cord compression can cause lasting neurologic symptoms and affect your quality of life.
At Advanced Spine Center, we offer trusted cervical myelopathy treatment in Plano, TX, using advanced imaging and customized surgical treatment options to relieve pressure and restore function.
Cervical Radiculopathy vs. Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy and cervical radiculopathy both involve problems in the cervical spine, but they affect the body in different ways.
Cervical myelopathy happens when the spinal cord is compressed, which can cause neurologic symptoms like lower extremity weakness, hand clumsiness, or issues with bladder function. On the other hand, cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root is pinched in the cervical spine. This typically causes neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the arm or hand.
While both conditions cause neck pain and muscle weakness, untreated cervical myelopathy can potentially lead to irreversible neurologic damage.
Types of Cervical Myelopathy
The different types of cervical myelopathy depend on the cause of the spinal cord compression. Some types of myelopathy are due to age-related degenerative changes, while others involve structural problems in the spinal canal or traumatic injury. Understanding the root cause helps us determine the best treatment plan moving forward.
Cervical Spinal Cord Compression
Cervical spinal cord compression happens when something puts pressure on the spinal cord in the neck. This pressure can be caused by degenerative changes, bone spurs, a herniated disc, or cervical stenosis, all of which can narrow the spinal canal. When the spinal cord is squeezed, it can’t send signals between the brain and body the way it should. This may lead to neck pain, numbness, lower extremity weakness, trouble walking, or problems with bladder function.
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Degenerative cervical spondylosis, or age-related wear and tear in the neck, is the main cause of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. As time goes on, the discs, joints, and ligaments in the cervical spine can break down and lead to bone spurs or thickened ligaments. These degenerative changes can narrow the spinal canal and cause spinal cord compression, resulting in neck pain, numbness, and neurological symptoms. Since this condition develops slowly, many patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy don’t realize how serious it is until symptoms get worse.
Cervical Myelopathy Causes
Cervical myelopathy can be caused by a variety of conditions that lead to spinal cord compression in the neck. These causes often involve degenerative changes, traumatic injury, or structural problems in the cervical spine.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is a common cause of cervical myelopathy, especially in older adults. Over time, the discs between the bones in the cervical spine begin to wear out, lose height, and become less flexible. As the discs break down, the space in the spinal canal can narrow and lead to spinal cord compression.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc in the cervical spine occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the outer layer. This bulge can press directly on the cervical spinal cord or nearby nerves, leading to spinal cord compression. When the compression of the spinal cord becomes severe, it can cause symptoms like neck pain, numbness, tingling, and lower extremity weakness.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal becomes too narrow, putting pressure on the cervical spinal cord. Degenerative changes, bone spurs, or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament can cause this narrowing. Some people are born with a naturally narrow spinal canal, a condition known as congenital stenosis, which makes them more likely to develop cervical myelopathy later in life.
Cervical Myelopathy Symptoms
Cervical myelopathy can cause a range of symptoms that affect movement, coordination, and daily activities. These signs often start gradually and may get worse over time as the spinal cord becomes more compressed. Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
- Lower extremity weakness
- Trouble with balance or walking
- Difficulty with fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt
- Changes in bladder function
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait to see a doctor. Getting an accurate diagnosis early can help you avoid permanent spinal cord damage and start the right care plan to improve your symptoms.
Cervical Myelopathy Treatments Without Surgery
In mild cases of cervical myelopathy, non-surgical treatments may help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of spinal cord compression. These treatments can include physical therapy to improve strength, balance, and flexibility, as well as anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxers to reduce neck pain and stiffness. Activity modification, posture correction, and regular monitoring may also be recommended, especially in the early stages of degenerative cervical myelopathy or cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
While these approaches cannot reverse compression of the spinal cord, they may provide relief for some patients and delay the need for surgical treatment.
Cervical Myelopathy Surgery Options at Advanced Spine Center
In more severe myelopathy cases, surgical treatment may be needed to relieve spinal cord compression and prevent further spinal cord damage. The right approach depends on the cause and location of the cord compression, as well as your specific symptoms and spinal alignment. At Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, we offer several advanced procedures to treat patients with cervical myelopathy.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is one of the most common procedures for cervical myelopathy. In this surgery, the damaged disc causing spinal cord compression is removed through the front of the neck. The space is then filled with a bone graft and a small plate to fuse the bones together. This relieves pressure on the cervical spinal cord and stabilizes the spine. ACDF surgery is often recommended when a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease causes myelopathy symptoms.
Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF)
Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) is a surgical option used for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy. In this procedure, the surgeon removes part of the vertebral body and the surrounding discs to create space in the spinal canal. A bone graft or cage is then inserted, and the spine is stabilized with a plate and screws. This approach is particularly useful for treating large areas of cervical spinal cord compression located at the front of the spine.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy is performed through the back of the neck and involves removing part of the bony arch (lamina) that forms the roof of the spinal canal. This creates more space for the cervical spinal cord and relieves pressure caused by cervical stenosis, bone spurs, or spinal degeneration. A laminectomy may be combined with spinal fusion to keep the spine stable after decompression. It’s often recommended when multiple levels of the cervical spine are affected or when the spine is curved forward (cervical kyphosis).
Laminoplasty
A laminoplasty is a posterior surgical treatment used to relieve spinal cord compression in the cervical spine while preserving more natural motion than a traditional fusion. Instead of removing the lamina, the surgeon reshapes and repositions it to widen the spinal canal, creating more space for the cervical spinal cord. Laminoplasty helps reduce pressure on the spinal cord while maintaining flexibility in the neck.
Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
Posterior cervical decompression and fusion is a type of surgery used to relieve pain caused by cervical myelopathy. During the procedure, the surgeon removes bone, thickened ligaments, or other tissue that’s putting pressure on the cervical spinal cord. After relieving the pressure, the spine is stabilized using rods and screws to keep the bones in place while they heal. This posterior approach is often recommended for patients with degenerative changes, cervical kyphosis, or severe spinal cord damage that cannot be treated through the front of the neck.
Cervical Myelopathy FAQs
How Fast Does Cervical Myelopathy Progress?
Cervical myelopathy usually develops slowly over time due to degenerative factors, but in some cases, symptoms can worsen quickly, especially after a traumatic injury.
What is Cervical Spondylosis With Myelopathy?
Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy means that degenerative changes in the neck, such as bone spurs or worn discs, are pressing on the cervical spinal cord, leading to neurologic symptoms.
How Long Can You Live With Cervical Myelopathy?
Many people live for years with cervical myelopathy, but without treatment, symptoms can worsen and lead to permanent spinal cord damage and loss of function.
Is Cervical Myelopathy a Disability?
Yes, cervical myelopathy can be considered a disability when symptoms such as lower extremity weakness or loss of bladder function interfere with daily life or the ability to work.
How is Cervical Myelopathy Treated?
Doctors use a physical examination and advanced imaging to diagnose cervical myelopathy, then recommend treatment based on severity. Treatment plans can include physical therapy, medications, or surgical procedures in more severe cases.
Contact Advanced Spine Center for Cervical Myelopathy Treatments in Plano, TX
If you’re experiencing symptoms of cervical myelopathy, don’t wait to get help. At Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, our team provides clear answers, personalized care, and advanced treatment options to relieve spinal cord compression and help you get back to living comfortably. We’re committed to helping you feel better, move easier, and regain control of your daily life.
Call (972) 499-5457 or contact us online to request an appointment today.
