Myelopathy is a compression of the spinal cord.
The disease causes pain, numbness, and limited movement in various areas of the body.
The diagnosis is confirmed by a physical examination and neurological testing.
The following tests are provided:
- X-ray of the spine, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography;
- Myelogram;
- Nerve function test.
The course of treatment is individual and depends on the cause.
Non-surgical methods of treating myelopathy include:
- Use of a medical corset;
- Physiotherapy;
- Painkillers or corticosteroids.
If non-surgical methods of treatment do not produce the desired result, that is, the patient's general health does not improve, the attending physician will consider surgical intervention. Surgery is necessary in clinical cases when symptoms do not improve despite drug therapy and physiotherapy or the condition is so severe that the risk of complications is high.
Surgical methods include:
- Discectomy;
- Disc replacement;
- Laminectomy;
- Laminoplasty;
- Spondylodesis.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21966-myelopathy
