- Locations in Clifton, Barnegat, Freehold, Holmdel, Monroe, Ocean NJ
Do you feel pain or numbness radiating from the base of your skull to your lower back? These symptoms indicate that you have a condition called myelopathy. Seeking myelopathy treatment early can help you reduce discomfort and get back to doing the things you love.
Below, Dr. Grigory Goldberg — our top-rated orthopedic spine specialist in New Jersey — explains everything you need to know about this degenerative disease. Consider the following information, then book a consultation with this trustworthy physician.
Your spinal cord is the most important part of your nervous system. It functions as a conduit for your brain to communicate information to your muscles and organs. Hence, spinal injuries can create physical problems which will hinder your quality of life over time.
Myelopathy refers to a wide range of back and neck injuries caused by severe spinal compression. It’s important to understand that myelopathy conditions affect your spinal cord as a whole, not individual nerves. Hence, our orthopedic spine specialists are best suited to treat these problems.
Many people ignore degenerative myelopathy, resulting in life-long complications and pain as they age. It’s best to pursue comprehensive treatment early to avoid these issues.
Many types of myelopathy can develop in patients of all ages and backgrounds.
According to The Lancet Neurology, over 5% of people over 40 live with cervical myelopathy. This condition usually results from severe neck compressions. Inflamed nerve roots in the spine can cause chronic neck pain, which can spread to the shoulders and back.
High-quality myelopathy treatment from our doctors will prevent the escalation of this disease.
Thoracic myelopathy typically occurs from herniated discs or bone spurs in the middle-back region. This disease can cause severe discomfort when sitting upright or lying down in bed.
Lumbar myelopathy usually affects the neck and middle-back regions. However, in rare cases, it may manifest in your lower back. This type of compression frequently occurs from sciatica or other spine-related injuries.
Myelopathy is sometimes difficult to diagnose compared to other spinal conditions. It primarily affects the spine’s functionality and may not be easy to identify via conventional digital screenings. A comprehensive physical assessment from our doctors will be necessary to determine whether or not your back pain is the result of myelopathy or some other underlying condition.
Most children and teens do not need to worry about degenerative myelopathy. This disease mostly affects adults as they age, and their spines become more vulnerable to compression. In fact, the Department of Clinical Neurosurgery at Cambridge University suggests that this disease affects one in fifty adults.
You are also at higher risk for developing these conditions if you drink alcohol or smoke.
Obese individuals are at high risk for myelopathy due to excess stress on their spines. Career athletes can also develop myelopathy after a serious back injury.
Pain and mobility problems are the most common symptoms of myelopathy. However, it can be challenging to determine if myelopathy is the source of these problems without a formal diagnosis. According to the GU Health Policy Institute, 16 million Americans suffer from back pain caused by dozens of musculoskeletal conditions.
Always ask our physicians to assess you for myelopathy if you notice your pain persists longer than a week. Our professional clinicians will develop the right myelopathy treatment plan corresponding to your age, gender, and medical history.
Symptoms of myelopathy tend to begin mildly. Many affected individuals mistake this condition as the inevitable pains of aging. Still, it’s wise to schedule routine physicals at our clinic to determine whether your discomfort is normal or something more severe.
We will administer X-ray examinations, mobility tests, or other methods to accurately diagnose your condition.
Myelopathy treatment offers you many avenues to reduce pain and improve spinal health. Minimally invasive treatments, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care, is practical for some. Surgical treatments, such as bone grafts, are available for those with serious conditions.
Our doctors will help you understand what to expect during your treatment consultation. They will review recommended medical solutions, recovery time, and preventive care strategies.
Don’t hesitate to ask us questions about the process. This way, you have all the information you need to confront your myelopathy condition head-on.
General physicians will refer you to an orthopedic specialist if they suspect you are experiencing spinal compression. Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD, Orthopedic Spine Specialist, is licensed and insured and is ready to help you recover from your degenerative spine disease.
We make it easy to budget your healthcare with practical solutions. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Additionally, same-day appointments may be available when scheduling today.
Don’t let back and neck pain slow you down. We will take the time to understand your symptoms and provide solutions you can trust. You can continue exploring our website to see what other patients have to say about our world-class care.
Contact Grigory Goldberg, MD, Orthopedic Spine Specialist in Holmdel, Monroe, or Ocean, NJ. Call 844-373-2772 to schedule myelopathy treatment.
Here are three questions patients frequently ask about myelopathy treatment:
The best treatment for cervical myelopathy is spine decompression surgery. However, non-invasive treatments, such as the application of a cervical collar brace may help alleviate symptoms. Speak to our doctors about the best treatment for cervical myelopathy during your first visit.
Modern medicine has been unsuccessful in finding a cure for myelopathy conditions. Fortunately, numerous treatments exist that allow our specialists to alleviate pain and improve mobility for patients. Additionally, some non-surgical options are practical for myelopathy caused by spinal canal inflammation.
Degenerative Myelopathy can progress within six months to a year. Compared to some other degenerative diseases, this occurs rather quickly. It’s best to seek myelopathy treatment at the first signs of trouble.
