Cervical Myelopathy at DRHC Dubai Back Pain Clinic

Cervical myelopathy refers to the compression of the spinal cord in the neck (cervical spine), which can lead to a range of neurological symptoms. At DRHC Dubai, our expert spine specialists provide comprehensive care for this condition, including advanced diagnostic techniques and surgical treatments tailored to your needs.

What is Cervical Myelopathy?

Cervical myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord in the neck is compressed or pinched. This can result from degenerative changes in the spine, herniated discs, bone spurs (osteophytes), or conditions like spinal stenosis. Left untreated, the pressure on the spinal cord can progressively worsen, causing significant discomfort and disability.

Causes of Cervical Myelopathy

• Age-related degeneration: Wear and tear over time
• Herniated discs: Bulging discs press against the spinal cord
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal
• Trauma or injury: Accidents or falls causing vertebral compression
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammatory changes in the cervical spine
• Tumors or cysts: Rare but possible causes of cord compression

Symptoms of Cervical Myelopathy

The symptoms of cervical myelopathy can vary depending on the severity of the compression. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, or fingers
• Weakness in the upper or lower limbs
• Clumsiness or difficulty with fine motor skills (e.g., buttoning a shirt)
• Loss of balance or coordination issues
• Difficulty walking or frequent falls
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction (in severe cases)

If these symptoms are left untreated, the condition can lead to permanent nerve damage. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to prevent irreversible complications.

Diagnosis of Cervical Myelopathy at DRHC

Our specialists at DRHC Dubai utilize the latest diagnostic tools to accurately assess the extent of spinal cord compression. These include:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues and nerve compression.
• CT Scan with Myelogram: Visualizes the spine and spinal cord more clearly when bony structures are involved.
• X-rays: Identify alignment issues and degeneration of the cervical spine.
• Electromyography (EMG): Evaluates the electrical activity of muscles and nerves to detect any abnormality.

Surgical Treatment for Cervical Myelopathy

When conservative treatments like physiotherapy and medications fail to relieve symptoms, surgery is often recommended to decompress the spinal cord and restore normal function. At DRHC Dubai, we offer a range of minimally invasive and advanced surgical options.

1. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
   • Involves removing a damaged disc from the front (anterior) of the neck and fusing the vertebrae with a bone graft.
   • Ideal for patients with herniated discs or degenerative disc disease.
2. Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion
   • Involves removing part of the vertebra (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
   • Fusion is performed to stabilize the spine post-surgery.
3. Cervical Disc Replacement (Artificial Disc)
   • Involves removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial one.
   • Preserves motion in the affected segment and reduces the risk of adjacent segment degeneration.
4. Minimally Invasive Cervical Surgery
   • Uses small incisions and specialized instruments to access the cervical spine.
   • Faster recovery time with minimal scarring.