Cervical Myelopathy Treatment Options
Patients with signs and symptoms of cervical myelopathy require evaluation by a spine surgeon with expertise in complex spine conditions such as Chicago spine surgeon, Dr. Kern Singh. In many instances, patients will be considered for urgent surgical intervention to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. All surgical procedures are performed on the patient who is under general anesthetic.
The treatment of cervical myelopathy depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. In mild cases, a trial of conservative management may be recommended including:
- Rest and activity modification
- Physical therapy and exercises to improve neck strength and flexibility
- NSAIDS for pain relief
However, when symptoms are severe, rapidly progressing or do not respond to conservative measures, Dr. Singh may recommend a surgical solution for myelopathy.
What are the surgical treatment options for cervical myelopathy?
The goal of surgery, regardless of the surgical method used, is to decompress the spinal cord by removing the cause of the pressure on the cord. The goal is to reduce the risk of neurologic deterioration over time, and to improve the current symptoms. The three most common surgeries for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy include:
The choice of surgical procedure depends on factors such as the severity of symptoms, the underlying cause, and the patient’s overall health.
Schedule a consultation
When you or a loved one is experiencing neck and arm pain, contact Dr. Kern Singh to schedule a consultation to receive the correct diagnosis and all your treatment options.
Dr. Kern Singh, MD is an internationally renowned spine surgeon specializing in outpatient minimally invasive and motion-preserving techniques and endoscopic spine surgery at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Kern Singh is one of the nation’s Top 100 spine surgeons and is beloved by his patients for his compassionate care and excellent outcomes. He welcomes nationally and internationally – based patients.
References
- Donnally III CJ, Hanna A, Odom CK. Cervical Myelopathy. [Updated 2023 Jan 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482312/
At A Glance
Dr. Kern Singh
- Minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgeon
- Inventor and surgeon innovator with multiple patents in spinal surgery and instrumentation
- Author of more than 10 textbooks in minimally invasive spinal surgery
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