What is cervical myelopathy?

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What is cervical myelopathy?

As your vertebral disks wear away with time, your spinal cord can be put under increased pressure as the canal gets narrower from arthritis and disk protrusions. This compression can result in worsening neck pain and other symptoms. This condition is called cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

If you have CSM, you have the symptoms seen with cervical spondylosis, plus these additional symptoms:

  • Weakness, tingling or numbness in one or both arms or legs.
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control.
  • Trouble walking (feeling unsteady on your feet).
  • Loss of function in hands, like having problems writing.

Symptoms related to CSM may slowly get worse over time. If your symptoms don’t go away, or if they significantly affect your life, your healthcare provider may refer you to a spine surgeon who specializes in treating this condition.

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