When the spinal cord is compressed, sometimes people can’t tell where their feet are in space and describe the feet as “dizzy.” The medical term for symptoms due to spinal cord compression is “myelopathy.”
Myelopathy can be extremely disabling and can be associated with stumbling, recurring falls, inability to recognize where feet are in space, very brisk reflexes, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.
The pinching of the spinal cord can resemble the shape of an hourglass. Think of a nerve being the telephone cable that transmits information from the brain to a muscle/skin (it’s final destination). If this telephone cable is compressed anywhere along the route, dizzy feet can occur.
Compression can occur due to bone spurs, disc herniation, tumor, calcification of tissue, thickening of certain soft tissues, trauma, etc.
Diagnosis
The success of treatment options depend on an accurate diagnosis, using a combination of but not limited to: physical exam, x-ray, CT scan, MRI, diagnostic injections, and EMG investigation.
Treatment
Treatment options include therapy, strengthening, steroids, creams, anti-inflammatories, neuro-modulating medicine, muscle relaxants, injections, surgical decompression, surgical fusion, or surgical disc replacement. A custom treatment plan is recommended for each and every patient.