Cervical Myelopathy

Cervical myelopathy is a condition where the spinal cord in the neck gets pressed. The spinal cord carries messages from the brain to the arms, legs and body, so when it is squeezed, these messages slow down. This can cause clumsy hands, loss of grip, numbness and difficulty in walking. The most common type is degenerative cervical myelopathy, which happens due to age related wear and tear of the neck. It is one of the most common causes of spinal cord problems in adults, especially after the age of 50.

Cervical myelopathy usually starts slowly, and early signs like dropping things, trouble buttoning a shirt or feeling unsteady while walking are often ignored as signs of ageing. But the condition can get worse over time, and nerve damage that has already happened may not fully recover. This is why early diagnosis matters. At SpineArc, Dr. Tanmay Avhad carefully checks the level of spinal cord pressure and plans the right treatment, including minimally invasive and endoscopic decompression in suitable patients, to protect nerve function and help patients stay independent.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cervical myelopathy often start mild and slowly increase. Common symptoms include:

Clumsy hands, like difficulty buttoning a shirt, writing, typing or picking up small things.

Weak grip and frequent dropping of objects.

Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms or legs.

Loss of balance, unsteady walking or needing support to walk.

Neck pain or stiffness, though some patients have no neck pain at all.

In advanced cases, weakness in the legs or problems with bladder or bowel control.

Causes

Cervical myelopathy happens when something reduces the space for the spinal cord in the neck. Some of the most common causes are:

Age related wear and tear of the neck bones and discs (cervical spondylosis).

Slipped or bulging discs in the neck pressing on the spinal cord.

Bone spurs growing into the spinal canal.

Thickening or hardening of the ligaments inside the spine, including a condition called OPLL.

A naturally narrow spinal canal from birth.

Neck injuries from accidents or falls.

In rare cases, spine infection, tumours or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the neck.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To treat cervical myelopathy the right way, the level and amount of spinal cord pressure must be found first. At SpineArc, diagnosis and treatment follow a step by step approach:

Detailed neurological check to test hand function, grip, reflexes, sensation, balance and walking.
MRI of the neck, which is the best test to see spinal cord pressure and any changes inside the cord.
X-ray and CT scan to check neck alignment, stability, bone spurs and hardened ligaments.
Regular monitoring, with neck care and physiotherapy, for patients with very mild symptoms, along with close follow up to catch any worsening early.
Timely surgery for moderate or worsening myelopathy, since the goal is to stop further nerve damage before it becomes permanent.
Endoscopic or minimally invasive decompression, in suitable patients, to relieve pressure on the spinal cord through a small cut with less muscle damage.
Decompression with fusion or fixation, from the front or back of the neck, in patients with pressure at many levels or an unstable neck.

Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to get cervical myelopathy. Knowing these factors can help you take early care:

Age

Neck wear and tear increases after the age of 50.

Narrow spinal canal

People born with a narrow canal have less space for the spinal cord.

OPLL

Hardening of a ligament in the neck, which is seen more often in Asian populations.

Repeated neck strain

Carrying heavy loads on the head or jobs with constant neck bending.

Past neck injury and smoking

Old injuries and smoking can speed up neck degeneration.

You Deserve a Life Without Neck and Nerve Problems

Get the right diagnosis and advanced cervical myelopathy treatment in Mumbai from Dr. Tanmay Avhad at 4 hospitals across the city. Available 6 days a week, book your consultation today.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about cervical myelopathy treatment in Mumbai, answered simply by Dr. Tanmay Avhad.

What is cervical myelopathy?

It is a condition where the spinal cord in the neck gets pressed due to wear and tear, disc problems or thickened ligaments. It can affect hand function, balance and walking.

What are the early signs of cervical myelopathy?

Early signs include clumsy hands, trouble with buttons or writing, dropping things, numbness in the hands and feeling unsteady while walking.

Is cervical myelopathy serious?

Yes. It can slowly get worse over time, and nerve damage that has already happened may not fully recover. Early diagnosis and timely treatment help protect nerve function.

Does cervical myelopathy always need surgery?

Not always. Very mild cases can be monitored closely. But if symptoms are moderate or getting worse, surgery is usually advised to stop further damage.

Can endoscopic surgery be done for cervical myelopathy?

In suitable patients, endoscopic or minimally invasive decompression can relieve pressure on the spinal cord through a small cut. The right option depends on the number of levels involved and the neck alignment.

How can I book an appointment for cervical myelopathy treatment?

You can call +91 79779 26003 or +91 99203 97922, send a WhatsApp message, or fill the form on this website. Our team will call you to confirm your time and hospital.

Where does Dr. Tanmay Avhad consult in Mumbai?

Dr. Tanmay consults at 6 hospitals in Mumbai:

Sphere Multispeciality Clinic, Dadar East, Mumbai (Mon, Wed & Fri – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
Aryan Multispeciality Hospital, Kalachowki (Mon, Wed & Fri – 5PM to 6PM)
Life Care Hospital, Sion (Tue, Thu & Sat – 5PM to 6PM)
Lion Tarachand Bapa Hospital, Sion, Mumbai (Tue, Thu & Sat – 6:30PM to 7:30PM)
Sushrut Hospital and Research Centre, Chembur (Tue, Thu & Sat – 8PM to 9PM)
Gleneagles Hospital, Parel