What are the symptoms of cervical spondylotic myelopathy?

What are the symptoms of cervical spondylotic myelopathy?

Symptoms

• Tingling or numbness in the arms, fingers, or hands.
• Weakness in the muscles of the arms, shoulders, or hands. You may have trouble grasping and holding on to items.
• Imbalance and other coordination problems.
• Loss of fine motor skills.
• Pain or stiffness in the neck.

How is degenerative cervical myelopathy diagnosed?

Diagnosis is determined by 1 or more symptoms (hand clumsiness, gait imbalance, numbness, weakness, and bladder dysfunction) and signs (fine motor dysfunction of the hands, hyperreflexia, gait ataxia, sensory deficits, and focal weakness) that are attributable to the cervical spinal cord, as well as the presence of …

How do you rule out cervical myelopathy?

To diagnose cervical myelopathy, your doctor may:

1. Conduct a physical examination and measure your muscle strength and reflexes.
2. Conduct further tests, including an MRI scan, an X-ray or a CT myelogram of your neck.

Is cervical myelopathy serious?

Myelopathy describes any neurologic symptoms related to the spinal cord and is a serious condition. It occurs from spinal stenosis that causes pressure on the spinal cord. If untreated, this can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death.

How does cervical myelopathy progress?

If cervical myelopathy continues to progress, the signs and symptoms may worsen and include: Reduced fine motor skills. It may become more difficult to write, button a shirt, or type. Changes in gait.

Can you exercise with cervical myelopathy?

People with cervical myelopathy symptoms fre- quently avoid activity. Decreased activity reduces flexibility, strength and cardiovascular endurance. A physical therapy or exercise program usually begins with stretching exercises to restore flexibility to tight muscles in the neck, trunk, arms and legs.