Patient handout · Spine surgery
Cervical Myelopathy
What it is
Cervical myelopathy means the spinal cord in the neck is being squeezed. This can affect your hands, balance and walking. It often gets slowly worse, so it is important to get checked.
Common symptoms
- Clumsy hands, trouble with buttons, writing or picking up small objects
- Numbness or tingling in the hands
- Balance problems or a wide, unsteady walk
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Neck pain or stiffness (not always present)
What to expect at GSMC
- At your visit: A spine specialist asks about your symptoms and checks your strength, feeling and walking.
- Tests: You may need X-rays, an MRI or a CT scan.
- Your plan: Many people start with care that does not involve surgery. Surgery is discussed only if it may help.
Self-care tips
- Watch for changes in your hands, balance or walking, and tell us right away.
- Avoid activities with a high risk of falls or neck injury.
- Do not crack or force your neck.
- Keep all follow-up visits, even if you feel stable.
When to call us
- Pain that keeps getting worse, or does not get better with care
- New numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or leg
- Pain with fever, chills or weight loss you cannot explain
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping or doing daily tasks
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or sudden leg weakness.
This handout is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.