Types of myelopathy
Types of myelopathy are generally divided into three main categories, each of these types has a specific cause and pattern for damage to the spinal cord, and knowing them is very important in diagnosis and treatment... ### Cervical myelopathy: the most common type and its causes... Cervical myelopathy is the most common type of myelopathy and occurs when it is in the spinal cord area, mainly in the neck area. Intervertebral disc protrusion, cervical spinal canal stenosis, excessive growth bone (osteophyte) and age-related degenerative changes...severe cases are accompanied by impaired walking or urinary control....early diagnosis with MRI and appropriate treatment (often surgery to relieve pressure) is the key to preventing permanent damage to the spinal cord in this type of disease....Characteristics and differences Thoracic myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord is compressed in the chest area (between the neck and the back)..This type is less common than cervical myelopathy, but It can cause severe movement problems, muscle stiffness, and bladder control disorders. The L1 level and most of the disorders in this area are known as equina syndrome... However, compression of the nerves in the lumbar region can also cause complications similar to myelopathy. Myelopathy is caused by trauma or tumor. Degenerative myelopathy is caused by gradual erosion of the spine with age. In this type of structural changes, such as narrowing of the spinal canal, thickening of ligaments, or disc protrusion, gradually compresses the spinal cord. In contrast, myelopathy caused by trauma (such as an accident or fall) or tumor appears suddenly and more severely and can occur in a short period of time. Degenerative myelopathy treatment is usually a combination of physical therapy, medication and in some cases surgery, but in cases of tumor or trauma, immediate and more treatment is needed. This disease has many causes, from natural changes caused by aging to acute factors such as tumors or physical injuries.. ### Degenerative diseases
One of the most common causes of myelopathy is degenerative diseases of the spine. With age, the structures of the vertebral column undergo erosion, which causes narrowing of the spinal canal or protrusion of the disc (herniated disc). Over time, this narrowing causes pressure on the spinal cord and gradual symptoms effective in the treatment of weakness, numbness, numbness in the organs. The spinal cord is removed.... In this case, if the symptoms of myelopathy are detected in time, the progression of nerve damage can be prevented.... ### Non-degenerative factors
In some cases, myelopathy is caused by non-degenerative processes.. Spinal cord tumors (benign or malignant), infection-induced abscesses, or autoimmune diseases such as MS or sarcoidosis can cause compression or inflammation of the spinal cord.. Even with sudden loss of organ function, drug therapy, MRI, and ear function are associated.. Critical... If myelopathy symptoms are taken seriously in the early stages, even in cases such as Cervical tumor or disc surgery, neurological function can be largely preserved... ### The role of genetic and lifestyle factors
Genetic factors play a role in the formation of the spine structure and susceptibility to degenerative diseases. In some people, congenital spinal canal stenosis or connective tissue weakness can increase the risk of myelopathy. In cases where conservative treatment is not effective, a person may need cervical disc surgery or other interventions. Myelopathy diagnosis methods
Myelopathy, especially in the early stages, may present with symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness and imbalance, which are very similar to lumbar disc problems. Accurate diagnosis is very important, because incorrect treatments can lead to permanent damage to the spinal cord. Knowledge of prevention and harmful measures for lumbar disc and harmful measures for lumbar disc will help reduce the risk of developing lumbar disc.. Myelopathy..
### Clinical examination by neurologist or spine surgeon
The first step in diagnosing types of myelopathy is to visit a specialist doctor and perform a complete nerve examination.... The doctor examines symptoms such as weakness, balance disorders, loss of sensation, muscle stiffness, and abnormal reflex responses.... Examining the walking pattern and the ability to perform fine movements such as buttoning clothes or writing can distinguish my symptoms from lesions. And it is the most accurate method to diagnose myelopathy because it can clearly show the details of the software of the spinal cord, discs, spinal canal stenosis and the presence of tumor or inflammation... If MRI is not available or is not possible for the patient, a CT scan (CT) with myelogram can be an alternative, but it is less accurate. Spinal cord compression is very critical in suspected patients.. (**EMG/NCS**) and their role
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) tests help the doctor distinguish nerve disorders from muscle problems or peripheral neuropathy.. These tests evaluate the function and conduction of nerve signals from the spinal cord to the muscles.. Although these tests alone are not sufficient to definitively diagnose myelopathy, they are complementary to MYelopathy.. An EMG will be a great aid in an accurate diagnosis.. Knowing what to disc The back is harmful, it can prevent further compression of the nerve... Treatment options for myelopathy: from non-surgical to surgical... The treatment of all types of myelopathy depends on the severity of the symptoms, the amount of pressure on the spinal cord and initial responses to unusual methods, conservative treatments or surgery can be... non-surgical methods and then common surgeries.... ### non-surgical treatments of myelopathy
In the early stages of myelopathy, non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, drug therapy, and lifestyle modification can help control symptoms, reduce spinal cord pressure, and prevent disease progression.. - Physiotherapy
- Anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant drugs
- Change of lifestyle
### Common surgeries to treat myelopathy
In cases where myelopathy is advanced or non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery is suggested as the main treatment option... The purpose of surgery is to reduce pressure on the spinal cord, improve nerve function and prevent further damage. If the spinal cord is degenerated, a discectomy is performed. In this method, the protruding part or the entire intervertebral disc is removed. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the disc with a prosthesis. Preventing permanent complications.
Early diagnosis of all types of myelopathy plays a very important role in preventing irreversible nerve damage.. If pressure on the spinal cord is detected and treated in the early stages, it is possible to prevent the development of symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, balance disorders or even incontinence.. Performing imaging (such as MRI) at the right time is the key to preventing the progression of the disease... Public awareness and quick referral to a doctor paves the way for treatment and preserves the patient's quality of life *early detectionmyelopathy neck in prevention incidence complications has stable treatment results and improvement... year 2024 that in 1141 patients had neck pain degenerative done, patientswhose duration time symptoms ago Fromsurgery from 12 months , significant improvement in indexes.
These findings suggest that early intervention can be progress disease.. and occurrence permanent disabilities prevent . In addition, another study in 2024 showed that patients who were treated within the first 6 months after the onset of symptoms had better results in improved motor function and improved quality of life. umbilical cord.*
Is it possible to prevent myelopathy?.. Although myelopathy is caused in many cases due to uncontrollable factors such as natural erosion of the spine or genetic factors, but by following principles such as maintaining a proper weight, avoiding heavy activities, correcting sitting and standing posture and timely treatment of problems such as lumbar disc disease, it is possible to reduce the diagnosis time of lumbar disc disease if necessary. Preventing chronic pressure on the spinal cord and the occurrence of myelopathy... Complete prevention may not be possible, but delaying the progression of the disease is very valuable. How to sit and do proper exercises are simple but very effective prevention strategies..
