Cervical myelopathy is a condition caused by compression of the spinal cord in the neck (cervical spine). Cervical radiculopathy is a condition caused by compression of the cervical nerve roots in the neck. They are most often due to age-related changes such as disc degeneration, arthritis, or spinal stenosis.
Because the spinal cord controls movement and sensation in the arms, legs, and body, pressure on the cord can lead to progressive neurologic symptoms. Similarly, compression of the nerve roots can cause pain, weakness and numbness. Both may be associated with neck pain and headaches.
Dr. Ammar Hawasli evaluates and treats patients with cervical myelopathy in Kansas City and North Kansas City, offering both surgical and non-surgical treatment options depending on the severity of symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Cervical Myelopathy
Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:
Hand clumsiness or difficulty with fine motor tasks
Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
Difficulty with balance or walking
Weakness in the arms or legs
Neck pain or stiffness
Changes in bowel or bladder function in advanced cases
Many patients first notice problems with hand coordination or balance before recognizing a neck problem.
What Causes Cervical Myelopathy?
The most common causes include:
How is Cervical Myelopathy Is Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
What are the treatment Options
Treatment depends on symptom severity, neurological condition and imaging findings. Treatments include nonsurgical treatments and surgery. Dr. Hawasli utilized a large array of nonsurgical and surgical treatments for his patients with cervical spine disorders. Surgical treatments may include cervical disc replacements, laminoplasty, posterior foraminotomies, posterior foraminotomies and discectomies, laminectomy, anterior cervical fusions, hybrid operations, posterior spinal decompression and fusions, and more.
Because the spinal cord controls movement and sensation in the arms, legs, and body, pressure on the cord can lead to progressive neurologic symptoms. Similarly, compression of the nerve roots can cause pain, weakness and numbness. Both may be associated with neck pain and headaches.
Dr. Ammar Hawasli evaluates and treats patients with cervical myelopathy in Kansas City and North Kansas City, offering both surgical and non-surgical treatment options depending on the severity of symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Cervical Myelopathy
Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:
Hand clumsiness or difficulty with fine motor tasks
Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
Difficulty with balance or walking
Weakness in the arms or legs
Neck pain or stiffness
Changes in bowel or bladder function in advanced cases
Many patients first notice problems with hand coordination or balance before recognizing a neck problem.
What Causes Cervical Myelopathy?
The most common causes include:
- Cervical spinal stenosis
- Herniated cervical discs
- Degenerative arthritis of the spine
- Thickening of spinal ligaments
- Bone spurs compressing the spinal cord
How is Cervical Myelopathy Is Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
- A detailed neurological examination
- MRI imaging of the cervical spine
- Occasionally CT scans or X-rays
What are the treatment Options
Treatment depends on symptom severity, neurological condition and imaging findings. Treatments include nonsurgical treatments and surgery. Dr. Hawasli utilized a large array of nonsurgical and surgical treatments for his patients with cervical spine disorders. Surgical treatments may include cervical disc replacements, laminoplasty, posterior foraminotomies, posterior foraminotomies and discectomies, laminectomy, anterior cervical fusions, hybrid operations, posterior spinal decompression and fusions, and more.
