What is cervical myelopathy?
The spinal cord is an important bundle of nerves responsible for delivering messages from the brain to the rest of the body. Part of this important job involves muscle coordination of all regions of the body. Myelopathy is a term used to describe the symptoms that occur after an injury or abnormality that causes compression to the spinal cord. Cervical myelopathy occurs when there is compression to the uppermost region of the spinal cord known as the cervical spine (neck area). Dr. Brenton Pennicooke is a cervical myelopathy specialist who treats patients in Saint Louis, Creve Coeur, and surrounding cities in St. Louis County, Missouri, that are experiencing symptoms associated with cervical myelopathy.
What causes cervical myelopathy?
Cervical myelopathy has a large variety of causes, including but not limited to spinal cord compression from a disc herniation, whiplash during car accidents, spinal tumors, and infections.
Additionally, cervical myelopathy may be caused by the hardening of the ligaments surrounding and supporting the spinal cord. This is known as ossification, where the ligaments and tissue supporting the spine are ossified or turned into bone over time. This causes the ligaments to increase in size and may lead to compression and pressure placed on the spinal cord, resulting in cervical myelopathy.
What are the symptoms of cervical myelopathy?
- Neck pain and/or stiffness
- Decreased range of motion of the neck
- Balance issues or stumbling with routine walking
- Difficulties with fine motor skills or coordination such as picking up coins or buttoning your shirt, or handwriting changes
- Numbness and/or weakness of the hands and arms
How do I know if I have cervical myelopathy? (How is it diagnosed?)
Dr. Pennicooke will first discuss a detailed medical history with the patient, including previous diagnoses, injuries, and any concerns the patient may have. He will also perform a physical examination to evaluate muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes.
Most patients already have an MRI or CT myelogram of the cervical spine completed prior to their consultation with Dr. Pennicooke; thus, he will discuss the findings of the study with the patient.
In order to determine the presence and cause of cervical myelopathy, Dr. Pennicooke may order additional diagnostic tests or other imaging to understand better what may be causing the patient’s symptoms.
What can Dr. Pennicooke do for cervical myelopathy?
Non-Surgical:
Non-surgical treatment options for cervical myelopathy include physical therapy and neck bracing. However, cervical myelopathy is a degenerative condition, meaning that the cause of the condition must be eliminated, or the condition will continue to worsen over time. In order to prevent further worsening of a patient’s symptoms and condition, Dr. Pennicooke may recommend surgical options.
Surgical:
- Posterior Cervical laminoplasty: A non-fusion approach for surgically widening of the spinal canal using small plates
- Posterior Cervical laminectomy and fusion: Surgical removal of the lamina within the spinal cord to make more room within the spinal column and stabilization of the spine with rods and screws for fusion.
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and fusion: Less invasive approach with minimal muscle cutting to access and remove the discs or bone compressing the spinal cord; followed by stabilization of the spine with a cage, plate, and screws.
Surgical options used to treat cervical myelopathy can be performed from the front of the neck (anteriorly) or the back of the neck (posteriorly). The necessary approach will depend on several factors, including the patient’s condition, cause of cervical myelopathy, and location of the injury. Dr. Pennicooke will carefully evaluate all factors and recommend a surgical approach that will most benefit each patient.
Cervical Myelopathy Specialist
Cervical Myelopathy describes a grouping of symptoms that result from compression of the spinal cord which can cause neck pain and problems in the extremities. Cervical myelopathy specialist and spinal neurosurgeon, Doctor Brenton Pennicooke, provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Saint Louis, Creve Coeur, and surrounding cities in St. Louis County, Missouri, who are experiencing the symptoms of cervical myelopathy. Contact Dr. Pennicooke’s team today!
