Posterior Cervical Decompression

Following your recent MRI scan and consultation with your spinal surgeon, you have been diagnosed with a narrowing of your cervical spinal canal (cervical stenosis). This is usually related to wear and tear of the spine. The spinal cord is compressed by bone spurs (osteophytes) that consequently narrow the spinal canal and this pressure can damage the spinal cord (myelopathy).

Myelopathy is a generally progressive condition that develops slowly and is most commonly caused by spinal stenosis. Symptoms may not progress for years and then difficulties with coordination may suddenly increase.

Following your recent MRI scan and consultation with your spinal surgeon, you have been diagnosed with a narrowing of your cervical spinal canal (cervical stenosis). This is usually related to wear and tear of the spine. The spinal cord is compressed by bone spurs (osteophytes) that consequently narrow the spinal canal and this pressure can damage the spinal cord (myelopathy).

Myelopathy is a generally progressive condition that develops slowly and is most commonly caused by spinal stenosis. Symptoms may not progress for years and then difficulties with coordination may suddenly increase. Most patients first visit their doctor with symptoms of spinal stenosis at about the age of 60 or so. Often it is the symptoms of arm pain, tingling, weakness or numbness that prompts someone with this condition to seek medical treatment and then the myelopathy is discovered through medical history and physical examination.

Unfortunately, most conservative treatments (manipulation,physiotherapy, medication or injections) are unlikely to be of much benefit and the symptoms rarely improve without surgery to relieve the pressure (decompress) from the affected area.