Changes in your balance or hand function can be easy to brush off, especially when they develop gradually. However, difficulty with simple tasks, such as fastening buttons or walking in a straight line, may be early signs of cervical myelopathy, a condition caused by pressure on the spinal cord in the neck.
Because the condition can progress unpredictably, persistent changes deserve medical attention. A spine specialist in New Jersey can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options if they determine your spinal cord is compressed.
Cervical Myelopathy: What Is It?
Cervical myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord is compressed within the neck. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is the most common form of this condition.
Degenerative changes in the cervical spine develop naturally as the body changes with age. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience reports that degenerative cervical myelopathy may affect as many as 2% of adults.
Common Causes and Symptoms
So, how does spinal cord compression occur? It can stem from a herniated disc, an injury, or a tumor that puts pressure on the spinal cord within the neck region. It can also develop as the spinal bones, discs, and ligaments become thinner with age, resulting in reduced flexibility and strength.
With cervical myelopathy, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Muscle weakness in your hands and arms
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Difficulty walking or balance problems
- Feeling as though your arms or legs are heavy and weak
- Numbness and tingling in your hands and arms
- Problems with fine motor skills
According to StatPearls, a review of 61 studies found that 86% of people with degenerative cervical myelopathy experienced abnormal sensations such as tingling, while 82% reported hand numbness. These symptoms are common and should not be ignored.
However, spinal cord compression doesn’t always produce symptoms or meet the clinical criteria for cervical myelopathy. A review published in the Global Spine Journal reports that spinal cord compression without symptoms of myelopathy affects about 24% of healthy adults. The prevalence increases to around 35% among adults over 60.
Cervical Myelopathy’s Impact on the Hands, Balance, and Walking
You may wonder how myelopathy can affect your gait, balance, and hand strength if the condition refers to spinal cord compression in the neck. The simplest explanation is that the spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the body, so neck compression can affect fine motor control and movements like walking.
People with the condition often notice problems with their hands first. They may experience a weaker grip or feel uncoordinated when grasping or handling objects. For instance, holding silverware or typing can become unusually complicated with cervical myelopathy.
Balance and coordination issues may also develop. People sometimes have to hold on to railings to avoid tripping, or they may feel unsteady while walking in the dark. Their legs may feel stiff or slow to respond.
Noticing changes in both hand function and coordination may indicate that cervical myelopathy is affecting more than one area of motor function. Seeking an evaluation from a medical professional is important in such cases.
Diagnosing and Treating the Condition: What You Should Know
Diagnosing cervical myelopathy usually requires an extensive neurological exam with diagnostic imaging, particularly an MRI. An MRI allows the medical professional to identify the location and severity of the compression and look for changes within the spinal cord. During the physical exam, the doctor may test your balance, reflexes, and hand dexterity.
Treatment may involve conservative care as well as surgical options, depending on the severity of the condition. Some mild cases without progressive symptoms may be managed with conservative treatment and close monitoring. Care may include physical therapy for mobility and strength and anti-inflammatory medication.
You may need surgery to prevent the condition from progressing or to protect spinal cord function. Depending on the source and extent of the compression, surgery may involve cervical laminoplasty to expand the spinal canal or posterior cervical decompression and fusion to stabilize the spine.
When To See a Spine Specialist in New Jersey
You should seek an immediate evaluation from a spine specialist if you experience changes in hand coordination and strength. Difficulty walking and changes in your bowel or bladder function, in addition to neck pain, may indicate worsening cervical myelopathy. Because cervical myelopathy can progress, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may reduce the risk of long-term neurological problems.
Start a Personalized Treatment Plan in New Jersey With Dr. Goldberg
Don’t ignore symptoms that may indicate cervical myelopathy. Although conservative care may help manage some forms of nerve compression, spinal cord compression requires early evaluation to determine the appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of neurological deterioration.
You can find the help you need from Grigory Goldberg, MD, an award-winning spine surgeon serving patients throughout New Jersey. He offers personalized treatments to address spinal stenosis symptoms, neck pain and stiffness from spinal cord compression, and other spine-related conditions.
Our doctor accepts most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Connect with our back pain specialist in Clifton, NJ, by calling (844) 373-2772, or call (732) 908-8585 to reach our Toms River, NJ, office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are our answers to questions about cervical myelopathy.
What Activities Can Aggravate Cervical Myelopathy Symptoms?
Activities that can aggravate cervical myelopathy symptoms include sudden or forceful neck movements and tasks that place strain on the cervical spine.
How Do I Know if My Cervical Myelopathy Is Getting Worse?
Your cervical myelopathy may be getting worse if you develop a stiff or unsteady gait or other balance and coordination problems. Profound limb weakness and loss of bladder or bowel control may also indicate a worsening condition.
Will I Need Surgery To Treat Cervical Myelopathy?
You may not need surgery to treat cervical myelopathy, as physical therapy and neck collars can help manage mild cases. However, a spine surgeon in New Jersey may recommend surgery for moderate or severe cervical myelopathy to help prevent permanent neurological damage.
