Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), one of the most serious conditions of the entire spine, is a deadly and sly disease that has a subtle presentation. If CSM is not treated appropriately and promptly, the patient may suffer disastrous consequences, such as disturbances when walking and loss of coordination.

What does cervical spondylosis with myelopathy mean?

Cervical spondylosis with cervical myelopathy, commonly referred to as cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), refers to impaired function of the spinal cord caused by degenerative changes of the discs and facet joints in the cervical spine (neck).

Is cervical myelopathy the same as cervical spondylosis?

Spondylosis refers to degenerative, or age-related, changes in the spine. These changes include disc degeneration, bone spurs, and thickened ligaments. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, therefore, is myelopathy (spinal cord damage) caused by spondylosis (degeneration) in the cervical spine (neck).

What is the difference between spondylitis and spondylosis?

Spondylitis occurs due to inflammation that causes arthritis while spondylosis is wear and tear of the vertebrae that results in disk and joint degeneration. Spondylosis and spondylitis are both conditions of the joints in your spine.

Does cervical myelopathy go away?

Can it be cured? Although there are several very good nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available to relieve the symptoms of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy, there is no cure, per se, for the degenerative changes in the cervical spine that caused the symptoms.

What should not be done in cervical spondylosis?

DO minimize trauma to your cervical spine. DO avoid contact sports. DO exercise regularly and keep to your ideal body weight. DO call your health care provider if rest and medicine don’t help pain.

What are the early signs of degenerative cervical myelopathy?

Commonly reported symptoms and examination findings in DCM9

  • Neck pain/stiffness.
  • Unilateral or bilateral limb/body pain.
  • Upper limb weakness, numbness, or loss of dexterity.
  • Lower limb stiffness, weakness, or sensory loss.
  • Paraesthesia (tingling or pins and needles sensations)

What is cervical spondylotic myelopathy?

One common type of cervical myelopathy is cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The term “spondylotic” refers to one of the possible causes of myelopathy — gradual degeneration of the spine that happens as you age.

Can cervical myelopathy be mistaken for something else?

However, cervical myelopathy symptoms are not unique to this condition and are often mistaken for “normal” signs of aging. To diagnose cervical myelopathy, your doctor may: Conduct a physical examination and measure your muscle strength and reflexes. Conduct further tests, including an MRI scan, an X-ray or a CT myelogram of your neck.

How does osteoarthritis cause cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis due to osteoarthritis is common. Occasionally, particularly when the spinal canal is congenitally narrow ( < 10 mm), osteoarthritis leads to stenosis of the canal and bony impingement on the cord, causing compression and myelopathy (functional disturbance of the spinal cord).

What is the diagnostic test for cervical spondylosis?

Diagnosis. Cervical spondylosis is suspected when characteristic neurologic deficits occur in patients who are elderly, have osteoarthritis, or have radicular pain at the C5 or C6 levels. Diagnosis of cervical spondylosis is by MRI or CT.