Is cervical myelopathy dangerous?

Potentially yes. Those with cervical myelopathy are at an increased risk compared to the general population for paralysis or permanent injury to the spinal cord, especially if they fall or are involved in an automobile accident. Compression of the spinal cord disrupts the signals it carries, leading to a loss of function. Initially, they can be quite subtle, with difficulty with balance when your eyes are closed (washing your hair in the shower) or being more clumsy than normal. Over time, it can progress to falling and being unable to walk.

Is cervical myelopathy connected to cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical myelopathy is often, but not always, accompanied by cervical radiculopathy (pain/numbness radiating into arms/hands). Patients will tend to deteriorate over time due to worsening compression secondary to arthritis and disc bulging.

I’ve been told I need a large fusion to treat myelopathy. Are there other options?

Often, a laminoplasty can be done instead of a fusion. Not all doctors offer this option, as it’s a harder procedure.

Will removing the pressure fix my symptoms?

In most cases, yes, but not always. We usually advise patients that the goal is to prevent further deterioration, but we hope to see an improvement.

Can you treat myelopathy with a disc replacement?

Yes, disc replacements are an excellent option in the correct patients.

I’m scared you’re operating on my spinal cord. Is this safe?

Yes, if done by a fellowship-trained spine surgeon, cervical myelopathy procedures are safe. We utilize many techniques to protect our patients, including neuro monitoring to ensure the spinal cord is healthy.

Cervical Myelopathy Palm Beach Gardens - Neck Pain Relief Jupiter

Cervical Myelopathy in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Subtle changes in balance, coordination, or hand function can be early signs of cervical myelopathy, a serious condition caused by compression of the spinal cord in the neck. Because cervical myelopathy can worsen over time, timely evaluation and appropriate treatment are critical to protecting long-term function.

Dr. Philip Saville and the skilled spine specialists at Saville Spine Institute have decades of experience diagnosing and treating cervical myelopathy through advanced imaging and modern treatment strategies. The Palm Beach Gardens practice is recognized for its focused expertise in complex cervical spine conditions and its commitment to providing careful, individualized care.

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What Is Cervical Myelopathy?

Cervical myelopathy results from compression of the spinal cord in the neck, often due to degenerative changes, disc herniation, or bone spurs. This pressure interferes with normal nerve signaling, leading to problems with balance, coordination, hand function, and walking. Symptoms may begin subtly and progress over time, making early diagnosis and appropriate treatment important to prevent lasting neurological impairment.

Cervical Myelopathy Symptoms

Symptoms of cervical myelopathy may include:

A loss of balance, particularly when walking

Frequently dropping items

Being more clumsy than usual

Pain radiating down the neck into the back

How Is Cervical Myelopathy Diagnosed?

Diagnosing cervical myelopathy involves looking at both your symptoms and the physical changes caused by spinal cord compression. Your spine specialist will review when your symptoms began, how they have changed, and whether problems with balance, walking, coordination, or hand function are becoming more noticeable.

A neurological examination may be used to evaluate:

Walking and balance: Checking for changes in gait or stability.
Reflexes: Looking for abnormal or exaggerated reflex responses.
Strength: Testing for weakness in the arms, hands, or legs.
Hand function: Assessing grip, coordination, and fine motor control.
Sensation: Checking for changes in how you feel touch or other sensations.

Imaging helps determine what is causing pressure on the spinal cord. An MRI provides detailed images of the spinal cord, discs, and surrounding soft tissues and can show where compression is occurring. X-rays can help evaluate spinal alignment, degenerative changes, and signs of instability. A CT scan may be recommended when a closer look at the cervical spine bones is needed.

Your spine specialist considers these imaging findings, along with your symptoms and neurological examination, to determine the severity of the condition and the most appropriate treatment approach.

When Should You See a Spine Specialist?

Cervical myelopathy can progress gradually, so don’t ignore changes that initially seem minor. Consider seeing a spine specialist if you notice:

Worsening balance: You feel increasingly unsteady while standing or walking.
Changes in hand coordination: Tasks such as buttoning clothing, writing, or handling small objects become harder.
Frequent dropping of objects: Your grip or hand control seems less reliable.
Increasing weakness or numbness: Changes in your arms, hands, or legs are becoming more noticeable.
Difficulty walking: Your gait feels different, your legs feel less coordinated, or walking becomes harder.
Falls: Balance or leg-control problems are causing you to stumble or fall.

Prompt evaluation can help determine whether spinal cord compression is causing these changes and whether treatment is needed to protect neurological function.

Treating Cervical Myelopathy

Around 70% of patients will improve their balance/symptoms after surgery for myelopathy. Due to this, we usually recommend surgery before you become so symptomatic that you are falling over. Treatment options vary depending on how many disc levels are compression your spinal cord, or if there is any instability in your neck.

Saville Spine Institute may recommend any or all of the following treatments to patients:

Cervical Laminoplasty

Cervical laminoplasty relieves spinal cord compression by creating additional space within the spinal canal while preserving neck motion. The lamina is reshaped and held open with small plates, making this option appropriate for select patients without significant instability.

Minimally Invasive Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

Minimally invasive ACDF removes a damaged disc through a small incision in the front of the neck to relieve spinal cord pressure. The spine is then stabilized with a fusion to maintain alignment and prevent further compression.

Minimally Invasive Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical disc replacement treats spinal cord compression by removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial disc that preserves motion. This approach avoids fusion and helps maintain natural neck movement in appropriately selected patients.

Posterior Cervical Fusion

Posterior cervical fusion stabilizes the spine from the back of the neck while decompressing the spinal cord. This approach is typically used when there is significant instability, deformity, or multi-level compression that requires additional support.

Why Choose Saville Spine Institute for Cervical Myelopathy Treatment in Palm Beach Gardens, FL?

Patients in the Palm Beach Gardens area trust Saville Spine Institute for cervical myelopathy treatment because of our team’s focused expertise in complex spinal cord conditions.

Our practice emphasizes early diagnosis and careful evaluation to prevent progression and protect neurological function. Patients also have access to advanced, motion-preserving procedures and stabilization techniques when needed, allowing treatment to be precisely matched to the condition.

The experienced spine specialists at Saville Spine Institute are known for thoughtful surgical planning, technical precision, and individualized care. We aim to improve function, safety, and long-term outcomes for patients with cervical myelopathy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about cervical myelopathy.

Some patients genetically have smaller spinal canals (congenital stenosis), and this means they are more at risk for myelopathy than other patients. This issue tends to run in families.

Find Relief From Cervical Myelopathy in Palm Beach Gardens

Saville Spine Institute’s board-certified surgeons offer exceptional, concierge-style treatment for cervical myelopathy. Contact us at (561) 630-3870 to book an appointment today.