Myelopathy 

Myelopathy is as a compression of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a long, tubular bundle of nerves that serves as a pathway of communication signals between your brain and your body. It is located inside your spinal canal that runs almost its entire length. Your spine, also termed as the vertebrae, functions as protection of your spinal cord.

Types of Myelopathy

The types of myelopathy are named depending on the area of the compression.

Cervical Myelopathy: Cervical myelopathy occurs at the top of the spine (at the back of your neck) and is the most common type of myelopathy. Pain on the neck is one of the most common symptoms of this type of myelopathy. Other patients complain shoulder pain and discomfort.

Thoracic Myelopathy: Thoracic myelopathy occurs in the middle section of your vertebrae. The spinal cord on this region typically gets compressed due to problems at the spine such as bulging or protrusion of the discs, herniation, subluxation, or a spinal trauma.

Lumbar Myelopathy

Lumbar myelopathy occurs at the lower portion of the spine. It is a rare condition since the spinal cord ends just before lumbar spine’s top section. However, on some individuals with a low-lying or tethered spinal cord, lumbar myelopathy can occur.

Myelopathy happens when something presses against the spinal cord secondary to any trauma, spinal subluxation or misalignment, as well as degenerative diseases, and other factors that may contribute to compression or constriction of your nerve bundle. 

Other causes may also include the following:

• Infections along the spine

• Tumors

• Inflammation

• Autoimmune disorders

• Spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spine surrounding the nerves

• Musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis

• Congenital disorders

Myelopathy develops slowly, and the factors that can contribute to this condition can be anything that results into a reduction of the space of your spinal canal (which houses your spinal cord) including the normal wear and tear of everyday life. It can be triggered by an injury to your neck or to any area of your back. It can also be an effect of other diseases such as arthritis or a tumor pressing the spinal cord.

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