Spinal cord compression or damage (myelopathy)

Overview

Myelopathy develops slowly and may be mistaken for aging.

Surgery relieves pressure to stop it from getting worse.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Clumsy hands, unsteady walking

Less common

• Numbness
• Trouble with buttons or handwriting

When to get medical care

Causes

Arthritis, discs.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older adults

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• MRI:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Use a cane or walker for safety
• Do physical therapy

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Protect your neck in sports and cars

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor) or a spine surgeon.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults over 55: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Surgery often stops it getting worse.

Early surgery can stop it from getting worse.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Do I need surgery?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Spinal cord compression or damage (myelopathy)