Cervical myelopathy means that the spinal cord is being compressed in the neck. It is different from straightforward neck pain or a single trapped nerve.
What symptoms should I notice?
Possible symptoms include:
- Difficulty with buttons, handwriting or other fine hand movements
- Clumsiness or weakness in the hands
- Changes in balance or the way you walk
- Numbness or altered feeling in the arms or legs
Symptoms can develop slowly. A person may initially put them down to ageing or another problem.
How is it assessed?
A specialist assessment includes your symptoms, a neurological examination and usually an MRI of the neck. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so the findings must be considered together.
What treatment may be needed?
When the spinal cord is under pressure, surgery may be recommended to create more space and reduce the risk of further deterioration. The operation may be performed from the front or the back of the neck. Recovery of function varies; symptoms that have been present for a long time may not fully reverse.
New or worsening difficulty walking, hand weakness or bladder problems requires prompt medical assessment.
Read about anterior cervical surgery →
Read about posterior cervical surgery →
Further information and support
Visit Myelopathy.org for information and support for people living with cervical myelopathy and their families.
Visit Myelopathy.org →