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Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Understanding Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and the treatments available to you.

Diagnosis and Treatments for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy in Birmingham and Hoover, Alabama

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is also known as spinal cord compression. There are a variety of causes for this condition, including traumatic injuries, degenerative conditions, and the aging process. Patients needing cervical spondylotic myelopathy treatment, or those having symptoms who want to explore testing and diagnosis, can trust the board-certified physicians at a multi-specialty orthopedic practice in central Alabama. Southlake Orthopaedics serves patients with locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview.

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Symptoms

The structures of the spine and neck are complicated, with vertebrae, ligaments, bones, joints, discs, muscles, and nerves. Compression of the cervical spine, or the area of the neck, can occur due to a variety of activities, diseases, or accidents. The exact area of the cervical spine, the presence of cervical spondylosis, or arthritis of the neck, and how the nerves react to the compression create a variety of symptoms, including: 

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Causes

One main cause of cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a narrowing of the spinal canal. The narrowing process puts pressure, or compression, on the spinal cord, and is often due to natural wear on the vertebrae in the neck. This issue can occur as part of normal aging or through repeated tasks that work the same parts of the body over and over. However, there are other causes of spinal compression, including:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Injuries from sports, car accidents, and similar incidents
  • Disc degeneration
  • Tumors
  • Infections
  • Congenital abnormalities

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Treatments

Depending on the cause of the condition, there are a wide variety of cervical spondylotic myelopathy treatments available. At Southlake Orthopaedics, the team of multi-level specialists includes orthopedic physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, and other practitioners. Additionally, patients can access expertise from specialists in every orthopedic subspecialty. Depending on the type of treatments patients need, Southlake Orthopaedics offers:

Common Surgical Procedures for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Several surgical interventions are utilized to help treat cervical spinal cord compression. Depending on the condition of the individual patient, these include:

  • Anterior cervical discectomy
    • Including fusion and/or disc replacement
  • Anterior cervical corpectomy
  • Laminoplasty
  • Laminectomy and fusion

Surgical procedures are usually performed either from the front (anterior region) of the neck or the posterior region (back of the neck). The approach depends on the specific disc or vertebrae to be accessed and the individual medical diagnosis.

The term fusion describes a stabilizing process where the vertebrae are bound together using a bone graft. Discectomy describes the removal of the disc that is causing pain in the cervical spine. In some cases, an artificial disc can be inserted. A laminectomy procedure describes the removal of part of the spinal canal, including any bone spurs or ligaments that are involved with the compression. Laminoplasty describes a thinning or opening of the spinal canal. If surgery is recommended, a patient’s physician will explain the particulars of their case in more detail.

Patient indicates pain in neck by touching back of neck

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Treatments and Services

At Southlake Orthopaedics, physicians specialize in the musculoskeletal system. They want patients to have less pain and more living, and to that end, bring orthopedic doctors and other specialists together to provide personalized care at the practice.

Whether cervical spondylotic myelopathy is caused by the normal aging process, a degenerative disease such as arthritis, or a cancer diagnosis, patients trust Southlake Orthopaedics to give prompt, expert care at every stage of diagnosis and treatment. Patients of all ages and experiencing all conditions are welcome. Physicians can help them achieve better health and well-being, whether they need physical therapy and rehabilitation, help in identifying a diagnosis, or surgery.

Find Relief for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Pain at Southlake Orthopaedics

Whether surgery or medication is required to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy, Southlake Orthopaedics can help patients live with less pain. After a thorough examination, physicians can help develop treatment options that fit each patient’s lifestyle. Patients throughout central AL find convenient medical care at each of the two Southlake Orthopaedics office locations, in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview. For an appointment, contact Southlake Orthopaedics today.