Myelopathy is a fancy word for spinal cord compression.
The spinal cord carries signal from the brain to the rest of the body. If there is a narrowing in the spinal canal and compressing the spinal cord, it can cause serious irreversible damage. Over time this gets worse, plateaus for some time, gets worse again, plateaus, etc.
The spinal cord can get compressed anywhere from the brain to L1/2 (where the spinal cord typically ends).
Compression of the spinal cord causes pain, balance issues, dexterity problems in the hands, numbness, and weakness. The pinching of the spinal cord can resemble the shape of an hourglass.
Compression can occur due to bone spurs, disc herniation, calcification of tissue, thickening of certain soft tissues, trauma, etc.
If the spinal cord is getting injured due to pinching, it is recommended to release that compression, as it only gets worse with time.
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 anti-inflammatories, steroids, therapy, injections, surgical decompression, surgical fusion, or surgical disc replacement. All treatment options depend on the location/type of compression and a custom treatment plan is recommended for each and every patient.
Treatments that release the pressure don’t necessarily reverse the damage, but the goal is to halt progression. Think of a boxer’s punch: just because the fist is no longer punching, there still may be permanent damage.
