Dr. Sachin Sharma

Cervical Myelopathy

Cervical myelopathy occurs when compression of the spinal cord in the neck causes neurological dysfunction. This is a serious condition that requires careful clinical and radiological assessment. Progressive spinal cord dysfunction may require surgical decompression to prevent further deterioration.

Symptoms of Cervical Myelopathy

  • Difficulty with fine hand movements (e.g., buttoning, writing)
  • Hand clumsiness or deteriorating coordination
  • Numbness or weakness in the arms or hands
  • Problems with balance and walking
  • A feeling of heaviness or weakness in the legs
  • Difficulty with coordination
  • In severe cases: bladder or bowel problems

Why Early Treatment Is Important

  • Cervical myelopathy is often progressive
  • Once spinal cord damage occurs, recovery may be incomplete
  • Surgery aims to halt further deterioration and ideally improve function
  • Early surgical decompression generally provides better outcomes
  • Delay in treatment may lead to permanent neurological deficit

Treatment Approach

Surgery is typically the recommended treatment for moderate to severe cervical myelopathy. The approach (anterior or posterior) depends on the level and extent of compression, spinal alignment and other factors.

  • Detailed neurological assessment and MRI evaluation
  • Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF)
  • Cervical corpectomy and fusion
  • Posterior cervical laminectomy with or without fusion
  • Posterior cervical laminoplasty
  • Combined anterior-posterior approaches (selected complex cases)

Dr. Sachin Sharma believes that treatment should begin with an accurate diagnosis and an individualized approach. Not every patient requires surgery - non-surgical options are always considered first whenever clinically appropriate.