Myelopathy

Diagnosis

At Desert Spine and Pain, our evaluation includes:

1. Neurological exam – Checking strength, reflexes, coordination, and gait
   

2. Imaging –
   

   • MRI is the gold standard for spinal cord compression
     

   • X-rays show alignment and arthritis
     

   • CT scans for bone detail if needed
     

3. Electrodiagnostic studies – Occasionally used to rule out peripheral nerve disorders
   
   

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Care

Mild cases may be monitored, but myelopathy usually requires proactive treatment to prevent worsening. Options include:

• Medications for pain and inflammation
  

• Physical Therapy for balance and strength (when safe)
  

• Activity modification to avoid further spinal stress
  
  

Surgical Care

Surgery is often recommended to relieve cord compression:

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) – Removes herniated disc or bone spurs from the front of the neck and fuses the spine
  

• Cervical Disc Replacement – Preserves motion while relieving compression
  

• Laminectomy / Laminoplasty – Decompresses the cord from the back of the spine
  

• Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) – Smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, faster recovery