Myelopathy
What is myelopathy?
A compressed nerve causes myelopathy, and it can occur anywhere in the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a nerve “highway” running from the skull to the tailbone, and the compression of the spinal cord results in pain, numbness or even the loss of control of other body parts.
There are three types of myelopathy:
- Cervical myelopathy: Myelopathy that occurs in the cervical spine (neck area). It’s the most common type of myelopathy.
- Thoracic myelopathy: Myelopathy that affects the mid-spine area.
- Lumbar myelopathy: Myelopathy that affects the lower part of the spine. It isn’t as common as the other types of myelopathy.
How is myelopathy diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam, ask you about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing and talk to you about your medical history. Diagnostic imaging tests will be used to confirm your diagnosis. These can include:
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- X-rays
- Nerve testing (EMG)
What are the risk factors for myelopathy?
Myelopathy is most common in adults over the age of 55 because it’s often related to the wear and tear your body endures over time. Spondylosis, spinal stenosis, spinal tumors, infections, injuries and autoimmune disorders are some other underlying causes for myelopathy.
I’ve been diagnosed with myelopathy. Now What do I do?
You don’t have to hurt. When you need spine care in Orange County, trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is here to help get you back to doing the things that matter most. We’re committed to treating you like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help you recover quicker with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for myelopathy?
The best treatment option for you will depend on the location of your myelopathy, how far it has progressed and the specific cause. Your Hoag physician will be able to create a tailored care plan that best fits your needs. Nonsurgical treatment options include bracing, physical therapy exercises, epidural injections, medication and interventional techniques such as nerve blocks (spinal injections). Surgery may be necessary to remove abnormalities and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Your spine surgeon will discuss the surgical treatment options available to you after your diagnosis, but common surgical treatments include:
- Spinal decompression surgery
- Discectomy
- Spinal fusion
- Cervical fusion
- Laminectomy
- Disc replacement surgery
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and you with the great chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.
What is myelopathy?
A compressed nerve causes myelopathy, and it can occur anywhere in the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a nerve “highway” running from the skull to the tailbone, and the compression of the spinal cord results in pain, numbness or even the loss of control of other body parts.
There are three types of myelopathy:
- Cervical myelopathy: Myelopathy that occurs in the cervical spine (neck area). It’s the most common type of myelopathy.
- Thoracic myelopathy: Myelopathy that affects the mid-spine area.
- Lumbar myelopathy: Myelopathy that affects the lower part of the spine. It isn’t as common as the other types of myelopathy.
How is myelopathy diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam, ask you about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing and talk to you about your medical history. Diagnostic imaging tests will be used to confirm your diagnosis. These can include:
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- X-rays
- Nerve testing (EMG)
What are the risk factors for myelopathy?
Myelopathy is most common in adults over the age of 55 because it’s often related to the wear and tear your body endures over time. Spondylosis, spinal stenosis, spinal tumors, infections, injuries and autoimmune disorders are some other underlying causes for myelopathy.
I’ve been diagnosed with myelopathy. Now What do I do?
You don’t have to hurt. When you need spine care in Orange County, trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is here to help get you back to doing the things that matter most. We’re committed to treating you like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help you recover quicker with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for myelopathy?
The best treatment option for you will depend on the location of your myelopathy, how far it has progressed and the specific cause. Your Hoag physician will be able to create a tailored care plan that best fits your needs. Nonsurgical treatment options include bracing, physical therapy exercises, epidural injections, medication and interventional techniques such as nerve blocks (spinal injections). Surgery may be necessary to remove abnormalities and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Your spine surgeon will discuss the surgical treatment options available to you after your diagnosis, but common surgical treatments include:
- Spinal decompression surgery
- Discectomy
- Spinal fusion
- Cervical fusion
- Laminectomy
- Disc replacement surgery
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and you with the great chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.