Treatment of Myelopathy

Myelopathy involves severe compression of the spinal cord, which can result from trauma, congenital stenosis, degenerative disease, or disc herniation. Unlike radiculopathy, which affects the nerve roots, myelopathy affects the spinal cord itself. Dr. Sina Rajamand offers minimally invasive neurosurgical treatment for myelopathy at Saint Mary’s Brain and Spine Surgery in Reno, Nevada.

Myelopathy can result from trauma to the spine, spinal stenosis, spinal infections, tumors, or certain neurological and congenital disorders. The condition is classified according to its location in the spine:

Cervical Myelopathy – Occurs in the neck (cervical spine) and is the most common form.
Thoracic Myelopathy – Occurs in the middle region of the spine (thoracic spine).
Lumbar Myelopathy – Occurs in the lower region of the spine (lumbar spine) and is rare because the spinal cord actually ends in the top section of the region of the spine.

Symptoms may include neck, arm, leg, or lower back pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, difficulties with fine motor skills, walking, balance, and coordination, and potentially loss of bowel or bladder control.

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Minimally-Invasive Surgery for Spinal Trauma in Reno

Diagnostic efforts typically involve X-rays, MRI scans of the spine and spinal canal, myelography with contrast, and an electromyogram to assess nerve stimulation. From these tests, Dr. Rajamand can determine the exact area of the problem and recommend a surgical solution.

These often involve decompression surgery and removal of any structures putting pressure on the spine, such as bone spurs or fragments of broken vertebrae. Dr. Rajamand may also recommend a laminoplasty to increase the channel space in the spinal cord. Sometimes, spinal fusion is also required to provide additional strength and stability to the spine.
At Saint Mary’s Brain and Spine Surgery in Reno, Dr. Rajamand uses minimally-invasive neurosurgical techniques that only require small incisions. This lowers your risk of infection and speeds recovery time. Dr. Rajamand can perform intricate surgery with precision and limited risk of damage to adjacent tissues or structures. You can be up and moving around within a few days.

Contact Saint Mary’s Brain and Spine Surgery today at our Reno office if you have been diagnosed with myelopathy and more conservative efforts fail to bring you relief.

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