Diagnosis
People with myelopathy typically seek treatment because of pain. This could include neck discomfort, pain from pinched nerves in the arms and legs, and even pain in the torso.
There are other conditions that have the same symptoms as myelopathy, affecting the back, neck, and/or spine. In order to rule out other illnesses and focus on myelopathy, your healthcare provider will advise specialized testing.
Testing that may be done for a myelopathy diagnosis include:
- X-rays: X-rays can help to rule out other back, neck, and spine problems.
- MRI scans: An MRI will provide a detailed look at the spine and the spinal cord, and check for any inflammation in the area.
- Myelography: A myelography uses a type of X-ray (called fluoroscopy) and the injection of contrast to evaluate the spinal cord, nerve roots, and spinal lining. It helps expose abnormalities in the spinal cord. Myelography is an invasive procedure, so it is only used as a last resort.
- Electrical tests: Examples of such tests include an electromyogram or somatosensory-evoked potentials, which can help your healthcare provider see how well your nerves are functioning providing feeling and movement in the arms and legs. These test measure movement of the nerve in your arms, hands, legs, or feet through the spinal cord to the brain.
A diagnosis of myelopathy is communicated in a variety of ways. For example, the term “myelopathy” can be added to another diagnosis, such as “cervical stenosis with myelopathy.”
If the spinal cord is not involved, your healthcare provider may use the term “without myelopathy,” such as “displaced lumbar disc without myelopathy.”
Treatment for Myelopathy
Reducing pain and enhancing a person’s capacity to function and carry out regular, daily activities are goals for treating myelopathy. The majority of the time, nonsurgical methods are used to accomplish this.
Your healthcare practitioner could advise surgical surgery if your myelopathy symptoms persist or get worse despite nonsurgical treatments.