Degenerative cervical myelopathy
Degenerative cervical myelopathy
Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a condition that may be relevant to you if a doctor has already diagnosed it in your case. If you are having new or ongoing symptoms yourself, it is best to see your healthcare professional so they can assess you properly and decide on the right treatment.
Read about managing a neck problem
What is degenerative cervical myelopathy
Degenerative cervical myelopathy happens because of age related changes in the bones, ligaments and discs of the neck. Over time, these changes can put pressure on the spinal cord, and this pressure can affect how the nerves work.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
When to get professional help
Many people have a combination of neck pain, arm pain, numbness and weakness. These symptoms can be distressing, but don’t necessarily require urgent medical attention.
Sometimes symptoms can progress suddenly, early recognition and treatment can prevent further deterioration.
If you feel that your symptoms are gradually worsening over time you should contact your healthcare professional to discuss this.
Speak to your GP urgently if:
You have experienced a new onset or significant worsening of the following symptoms:
- changes to bladder and bowel function like urgency, frequency, difficulty passing urine, leaking, incontinence
- changes to sensation around the bottom and or genitals or sexual dysfunction like recent inability to achieve orgasm or erection
- reduced balance or difficulty walking
- pain, weakness, heaviness or changing sensation in the arms or legs
- clumsy hands e.g. dropping things, struggling with handwriting, buttons or zips
- if your neck pain is associated with a severe headache
Phone 111 if your GP practice is closed.
Contact your GP if you have neck pain:
- and you also feel generally unwell
- that starts when your are ill with other problems like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer
If you feel that your symptoms are gradually worsening over time you should contact your healthcare professional to discuss this.
Causes
Degenerative cervical myelopathy happens when the spinal cord in the neck comes under pressure, and this pressure can start to interfere with how the nerves work. This pressure can build up for a few different reasons, including:
- narrowing of the space around the spinal cord that happens naturally with age
- notable changes to the bones, ligaments, or discs in the neck
In most cases, it comes down to the natural process of aging. As the spine ages, the space available for the spinal nerves gradually becomes narrower, and this narrowing is what leads to the spinal cord being compressed.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing degenerative cervical myelopathy starts with an assessment by a healthcare professional. They will ask you about your symptoms and then carry out a physical examination, which may include checking your strength, movement and nerve function. Depending on what this shows, you may then be offered an MRI scan. Sometimes a further examination is needed to rule out other conditions that could be causing these symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for degenerative cervical myelopathy depends on what your healthcare professional finds during assessment and investigation.
Some people are able to manage their symptoms through self-care and by adjusting their daily activities.
Your healthcare professional may also discuss whether surgery is a suitable option for you.
Work
A neck problem can sometimes mean you need time off work to recover. How long you need will depend on the nature of your condition and the type of work you do.
Since this is a long term condition, it is worth talking to your employer or occupational health service about the support you need to return to or stay at work.
Further support
When dealing with any health condition, it is important to look after your mental wellbeing too, since this can affect your recovery.
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