Skip to content
Some neck problems improve with rest and time, but others require prompt medical attention. Cervical myelopathy is one of those conditions. It develops when the spinal cord in the neck is compressed, and early diagnosis can make a meaningful difference in preserving movement and function.
At Saville Spine, board-certified spine surgeons Dr. Philip Saville, Dr. Jason Meldau, and Dr. Lawrence Gorfine provide expert care for cervical spine conditions throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL, offering advanced non-surgical and surgical treatment options.
What Is Cervical Myelopathy?
Cervical myelopathy develops when the spinal cord becomes compressed in the neck. This pressure is often caused by age-related changes such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments. Left untreated, the condition can gradually affect movement, coordination, and everyday activities.
Symptoms of Cervical Myelopathy That You Shouldn’t Ignore
Cervical myelopathy often develops slowly, making the early signs easy to dismiss. Watch for symptoms such as:
- Numbness or tingling in your hands or arms
- Weakness in your hands or difficulty gripping objects
- Trouble with buttons, writing, or other fine motor tasks
- Poor balance or frequent falls
- Difficulty walking or feeling unsteady
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Changes in bowel or bladder control in more advanced cases
These symptoms often become more noticeable over time rather than improving on their own.
Why Early Evaluation Matters?
Unlike muscle strains or minor neck pain, cervical myelopathy can continue to progress as spinal cord compression worsens. Early diagnosis gives you the best opportunity to prevent additional nerve damage and preserve strength, coordination, and independence.
A spine specialist can perform a physical examination, review your symptoms, and order imaging such as an MRI to determine the cause of spinal cord compression.
Treatment Options
The treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of spinal cord compression.
Options may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy in select cases
- Medications to help manage discomfort
- Surgery to relieve spinal cord compression when symptoms are significant or progressing
Your spine specialist will recommend the treatment that best fits your condition and goals.
Find Answers at Saville Spine
The experienced team at Saville Spine is here to help you understand the cause of your symptoms and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for Cervical Myelopathy.
If you’re in Palm Beach County or Martin County, FL, call 561-630-3870 today to schedule a consultation.
