Cervical myelopathy
Spinal cord damage in the neck
HCA UK’s team of experts can diagnose and treat you if you have cervical myelopathy.
What is cervical myelopathy?
Cervical myelopathy is damage to the spinal cord in the neck. The most common cause and form of cervical myelopathy is compression of the spinal cord, which interferes with the transmission of nerves. The most common reason for such a compression is spondylosis or arthritis of the spine.
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of cervical myelopathy? icon plus
Symptoms will depend on how the spinal cord is affected, but may include:
- numbness, or clumsiness, in the hands
- weakness in the hands or arms
- loss of balance
- neck pain
- a need to urinate more frequently or urgently
- stiffness in the legs
- headaches
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How is cervical myelopathy diagnosed? icon plus
Your consultant will discuss your medical history and general health with you and ask about your symptoms before carrying out a thorough physical examination of your neck, shoulders, arms, hands and legs.
Tests may include:
- CT scan
- X-ray
- lumbar puncture to assess irregularities in spinal fluid
- MRI scan to view the spinal cord, nerve roots and vertebrae
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Potential treatment options icon plus
If you don't have severe cervical myelopathy, treatment will be non-surgical aiming to decrease your pain and improve your ability to do daily activities. These may include:
- soft cervical collar – a padded ring to allow your neck muscles to relax
- exercises – to help relieve pain, strengthen neck muscles and increase flexibility
- medication – to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
If non-surgical treatment does not relieve your symptoms, your consultant may recommend surgery. The recommended procedure depends on a number of factors including your general health and the nature of your condition. Your consultant will discuss the options with you.
Our spinal cord consultants
We're proud to work with leading neurosurgeons and spinal specialists who are experts across a range of spinal conditions, and whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.
Our locations
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.