Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
What Is Cervical Myelopathy?
Cervical myelopathy is compression of the spinal cord in the neck, usually from cervical spondylosis, disc herniation, or ligament thickening. Unlike nerve root compression (radiculopathy), myelopathy affects the spinal cord itself, causing symptoms throughout the body below the compression level.
Warning Signs
- Clumsy hands -- difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning clothes or writing
- Heaviness or weakness in the legs
- Balance and coordination problems
- Electric shock sensation down the spine on neck flexion (Lhermitte's sign)
- Bladder dysfunction in severe cases
When to Seek Immediate Assessment
Cervical myelopathy can progress rapidly. Any sudden deterioration in hand function, leg strength, or balance requires urgent neurological and orthopaedic assessment.
Physiotherapy Role
- Conservative management for mild myelopathy: cervical stabilisation exercises, postural correction, activity modification
- Pre-surgical optimisation for patients awaiting decompression surgery
- Post-surgical rehabilitation following cervical decompression
- Long-term monitoring of symptom progression
Coordinated Care in Faridabad
Realign Clinic works closely with neurosurgeons and spine specialists in Faridabad and Delhi NCR. We ensure seamless physiotherapy support throughout the myelopathy management journey.