what is myelopathy

Myelopathy is a condition that results from severe compression of the spinal cord, which can be caused by trauma, congenital stenosis, degenerative disease, or disc herniation. The spinal cord is a group of nerves housed inside the spine that runs almost its entire length. When any portion of the spinal cord becomes compressed or constricted, the resulting symptoms are known as myelopathy. There are different types of myelopathy, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar, depending on the location of the spinal compression. Symptoms of myelopathy include back and neck pain, numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body, and difficulty moving certain parts of the body. Myelopathy can be caused by anything that compresses the spinal cord, including wear and tear or degenerative spinal conditions. If left untreated, myelopathy can get worse over time and can cause permanent spinal injury leading to significant nerve damage, including paralysis. The only way to treat the compression of the spinal cord is through decompression. Therefore, it is important to get care as soon as you notice symptoms, and early diagnosis and treatment can help improve your condition and, in some cases, reverse damage to the spinal cord.