This is the most common spinal cord disorder in people over 55, with a higher incidence in men than women. The vast majority of cases occur in the neck. Among its main causes is a cervical disc herniation. It is essential to consult a neurosurgeon to treat the problem and maintain a healthy quality of life.
When we begin to explore an unknown field, it's best to break down each point step by step. In this case, exploring human anatomy, we're going to delve deeper into myelopathyIt's a disease that affects the spinal canal. But first, we need to be clear. what is the spinal cord y what is the spine. What are their functions? The spinal cord is responsible for connecting the brain to the nerves of most parts of the body; that is, it acts as an intermediary for messages and information to be executed.
This network formed by the spinal cord and the brain is what we know as the Central Nervous System. The spine, thanks to its vertebral structure, protects the spinal cord, a fragile and elongated structure contained within the spinal canal that runs through its center. To better understand this, it's like its protective shell. Each part of the body is a world unto itself, and information grows as we explore it further. Myelopathy is a spinal pathology that neurosurgeon Bernardo Mosqueira treats at his clinic, making it essential to consult specialists like him to alleviate suffering and regain quality of life.
Cervical myelopathy is the most common
As we have said before, myelopathy occurs when there is compression on the spinal cord for a prolonged period of time, that is, a narrowing that prevents good communication between the brain and the different musclesThe body's nerve cells stop functioning correctly, and symptoms appear. These will be experienced gradually and will depend on the location of the injury. Tingling and discomfort in the hands or feet are usually the first symptoms, which is why, like other spinal conditions, it can be confusing. At this initial stage of severity, difficulties performing everyday activities become apparent.
All of this worsens, and muscle weakness, back and/or neck pain, leg cramps, and difficulty moving and flexing the neck begin to appear. Any problem that causes compression of the spinal cord can lead to myelopathy: a broken vertebra, a hematoma, the appearance of a tumor, bone growth due to osteoarthritis, or simply the wear and tear of daily life. Age, with the onset of neck pain, also contributes to this, as does the presence of a herniated disc that compresses the nerve roots.
Early detection and microsurgery as a brake
Many doctors and experts believe that the key to this disease this, As in many others, in diagnosing it in timeThere are numerous treatments, but it seems that the only one that has been shown to address the deterioration caused by it is surgery. This point is reached when there is greater complexity, when medication, rehabilitation and/or therapy have not been effective. In this sense, surgery is necessary. personal examination and accompanying MRI to give a concrete diagnosis.
What does surgery involve? Surgery aims to decompress the spinal cord and stabilize the spine to halt the progression of the disease and eventually eliminate symptoms. Treatments can vary (for example: cervical microdiscectomy, arthrodesis…) as well as the technology used, but Dr. Mosqueira is loyal to his surgical microscope.
At Dr. Mosqueira Clinic, we make every possible resource available to you. We always like to keep our patients and friends informed and help them in any way we can. If you would like information on any medical topic or need a consultation with us, please do not hesitate to contact us at 655 021 907 or at 951 00 66 38, we will be happy to assist you with whatever you need.
Newsroom Vere Álvarez
