Updated: Jun 30, 2019
A great deal of progress has been made over the past decade in understanding cervical myelopathy.
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, a slow progressive compression injury to the cord and arguably the most prevalent form of spinal cord injury.
Symptoms usually begin after the age of 50 years with slowly progressive neck stiffness, numbness, weakness and falls.
The incidence of cervical spondylotic myelopathy is increasing as the population ages, and the presence of spinal stenosis is a risk factor for more acute contusion injuries to the cord caused by falls in the elderly.
Early surgery has been shown to be of benefit. We have had excellent results returning patients back to work with severe cervical myelopathy.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is essential to detect degenerative changes in the cervical spine and cord compression
Time is Spine: Refer patients with suspected DCM promptly to a specialist for consideration of spinal surgery, as delayed diagnosis can lead to residual symptoms and functional disability