What is Cervical Myelopathy, how to test for it, and how to treat it

Chester Donnally III, MD, Texan Spine Surgeon

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When the spinal cord is compressed and cells die within the spinal cord, this is called Myelopathy. There are many causes of Myelopathy, and there are many treatments for it!
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In this video, I will describe some of the common causes of myelopathy, some test a spine surgeon will use to diagnose it, as well as what are the surgical treatment options!
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That said, I do many new patient telemedicine visits a week and would be happy to review x-rays, as well as MRIs if they are within the past year. Please reach out to my office staff to arrange a telemedicine visit!

Опубликовано:

1 май 2023

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Комментарии : 115

@AbhishekKumar1902 Месяц назад

God bless doctors like you who not only do these life saving/improving complex surgeries but also giveaway the knowledge for free 🙏

@DonnallySpineConsult Месяц назад

👍

@mlcs179 8 месяцев назад

Thanks for such a easy to understand explanation of this condition.

@DonnallySpineConsult 8 месяцев назад

You are welcome!

@raymonddonahue1942 10 месяцев назад

Dr.Chet , Brilliantly done.Sincerly, R. Donahue

@DonnallySpineConsult 10 месяцев назад

Thanks!

@cmbooks2000 10 месяцев назад

My ortho gave this as a posible reason for my symptoms (imbalance, falls, joint pain, numbness and tingling in the fingers. After an xray she ordered a series of scans and a consult with a surgeon. This term myelopothy was foreign to me so I came here for education and information. Thank you for making it plain without a lot of fluff and time drain.

@DonnallySpineConsult 10 месяцев назад

Oh wow! Would need to see mri

@user-px6hy3zf2s 9 месяцев назад

So illustrative

@DonnallySpineConsult 9 месяцев назад

Thanks!

@tysonbalto2023 2 месяца назад

I really appreciate the explanation and diagrams

@DonnallySpineConsult 2 месяца назад

Glad it was helpful!

@jefferyespj Год назад

I wish I would have knew who you were four years ago. I live in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I’m doing well but I needed a Nero surgeon because I got diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri. I love neurosurgeons they saved my life. Y’all are great people angel set my God.

@DonnallySpineConsult Год назад

Of course

@RSCCTV 11 месяцев назад

I learn so much with your videos Doctor D. Thank you for the information. My care providers have not done any hands on tests. Just looking at my MRI and ordering epidurals.

@DonnallySpineConsult 10 месяцев назад

Best of luck!

@petersguazzato8291 Месяц назад

Very good explanation 👏👏

@DonnallySpineConsult Месяц назад

Glad you liked it

@MarkRoby123 Месяц назад

Really Great

@DonnallySpineConsult Месяц назад

❤️

@Greg-yh2md 8 месяцев назад

Thanks!

@DonnallySpineConsult 8 месяцев назад

Wow this is so kind 👍🫶

@keithbyrne1234 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for the information in this video. i was recentley told i had cervical myelopathy and need a need ACDR surgery asap as condition been going on with 9 months and there is damage done to my spinal cord . I have issues with hand whichis tingling and loss of grip strength then got isues withmy legs and walking issues . consultant haddone some tests on me , the hand finger test and the toe to heal test with balance issues

@DonnallySpineConsult 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for the comment

@raymonddonahue1942 11 месяцев назад

Dr. Chet, I passed this on to a friend

@DonnallySpineConsult 11 месяцев назад

Thanks

@kenarthur6253 9 месяцев назад

Awesome video. I learned a lot. Thank you! I've had x-rays and MRI and discussed with excellent Orthopedic Spine Doctor. They are doing a nerve connectivity test next Friday. Then we decide what surgery to perform. 🙏 I am in so much pain I don't sleep at all like 3 days a week. Arm is so weak, I couldn't trim the fingernails on other hand. 😩Need relief and resolution asap to get my life back. You armed me with great information. Thank you!

@DonnallySpineConsult 9 месяцев назад

For sure

@tomclarkson5594 7 месяцев назад

Doc if you have cervical spondolosis . Also mouth can be affected?

@22-abqariyahyakheen59 6 месяцев назад

How are you now?

@speedbag1 5 месяцев назад

You make amazing presentations and highly educational! I know those terms well, having lived them all back in the 90's - with the old school ACDF x2 then expansive laminectomy of C4-C7, with no instrumentation or hardware. They just made 7 bones into 1. I did however lose the use of my left posterior deltoid, and Left Bicep for about 5-6 months post-op. That was passed off as " some C5-6 Sequela that should resolve.." Oh well, I had to re-teach my left arm how to hit the speed bag but it finally caught up. #StillPunching

@DonnallySpineConsult 5 месяцев назад

Love it

@am.alghareeb 5 месяцев назад

I have cervical myelopathy, my symptoms are neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, tinnitus, sound sensitivity, brain fog and dizziness, sometimes I’m not even sure if my symptoms are related, as alot of surgeons don’t include these symptoms, I did alot of test till I’ve reached the roots of my problem, had a full checkup for my ears, MRI brain and even full blood test, everything was within normal until a neurologist suspected that it might be related to my neck being stiff, did a cervical MRI and found out a huge c5-6 herniated disc with cranial migration compressing on the spinal cord and a significant compromise on the right neural foramen exit, now I’m on medication, rest and physiotherapy, my doctor suggested I do a fusion but I’m worried.

@DonnallySpineConsult 5 месяцев назад

Let me see

@am.alghareeb 5 месяцев назад

@@DonnallySpineConsulthow can I contact you and send the documents? I live outside US

@BeachLife61 5 месяцев назад

I too have cervical myelopathy , had a laninectomy with fusion, with fusion, ( C1-C7,and I am worse now than ever , and with new findings on my L4-L5 & L5-S1 broad base herniation across the disc margin to the right with impingement on the thecal sac. Please Dr can you help dicipher , explain what this means , my bladder is being affected I can tell, I’m weak and cannot walk without assistance ..

@tracybrown3057 5 месяцев назад

Wow.. finally someone explaining the same symptoms i have been suffering. I have had all the same tests and all come back showing nothing wrong.. I had an MRI and it showed i have compression at C4,5,6. I had a laminectomy and discectomy at L5 S1 in 1999 and I currently have prolapsed disc's with cord compression at T10-T11 & T11-T12. I have also found that most Dr's and surgeons don't believe that these other symptoms are associated with disc damage. I suffer from not only neck and back pain but dizziness, headaches, Tinnitus, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, jaw pain, ear pain/fullness feeling, chest pain, shoulder, arm and hand pain and the strangest symptoms I've noticed are reflux and chronic sinusitis. My surgeon has also suggested ACDF surgery but also said , having the surgery will not eliminate the neck pain and all i could hope for is the arm pain will be gone. So i have decided not to go ahead with surgery for now.

@riwanl1connu 5 месяцев назад

@@am.alghareebdo you got tigling on your lower members ?

@lindakelsch6196 2 месяца назад

I saw a neurosurgeon and was diagnosed with+ Hoffman bilateral, L LE clonus with progressive S/SX over the past three years, I have cervical myelopathy and bilateral upper and lower extremity Radiculopathy. I was scored with a decrease MJOA of 9. I have 3 cervical retrolisthesis. Plus rhe 4 lumbar sponylolisthesis I mentioned earlier.....I have found out I have a possible hEDS diagnosis and will see a rheumatologist in a few months. I will see my spine surgeon in a few days.

@DonnallySpineConsult 2 месяца назад

What did they say MJOA 9 is powerful

@user-ge3iy4dt3j 8 месяцев назад

Hello, are you concerned with focal cord paralysis with ACDF surgery? How common is that?

@DonnallySpineConsult 6 месяцев назад

5%?

@mjrule888 9 месяцев назад

In another video of yours, you said now disc replacement is the gold standard instead of ACDF. Please clarify which one is.

@DonnallySpineConsult 9 месяцев назад

Based on the pathology and x rays

@MrRecica 8 месяцев назад

I have some tingling/aching in both hands that come and go. I notice difficulty with using my right thumb to text and using my hand to write. Are there reasons other than myelopathy that could be causing these symptoms and if so is there a way to differentiate besides getting an MRI?

@DonnallySpineConsult 8 месяцев назад

Hey there, I do about 15 new patient telemedicines💻🌎 every week. Here is the best path forward: 1- email your insurance card to Spine@TSCspine.com (We don’t take HMOs or Medicaid, but can private pay, unless Medicaid) 2- if we take that insurance THEN upload your images to my portal for our 1st visit. 3- I must have X-rays and MRI, X-rays are critical! “Just” MRI isn’t enough. Need to be from last 12 months. Nothing older is needed, or wanted. 4- You need to get your CD 💿 of your X-ray and MRI (imaging centers will never send them to us) 5- On the top of my website (www.DonnallySpine.com) is the link to UPLOAD images, from YOUR HOME! 🤯🥰 (or at a CVS with Physician LookUp Code k5037438) 6- To recap: email us, get CDs, THEN upload! Step by step: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HpKOfI_1FSs.html - If HMO you can reach out to a Patient Navigator at www.sonoSpineSurgery.com and they can try to help connect us! Or for HMOs email: Refer@sonospinesurgery.com

@nileshrobert8123 8 месяцев назад

Sir I need to consult you . I have not reached with the symptomatic realtion that it is myelopathy or rdiculopathy . osteophytes in cervical x ray and symptoms are tingling in hand and leg including both numbness of finger what should I do does physio through machine and massage is helpful or is it mylopathy symptoms or not including pop up sounds

@DonnallySpineConsult 8 месяцев назад

@patmcgrath1227 6 месяцев назад

Can you discuss myelopathy /multiple sclerosis? Thanks, from Patricia

@DonnallySpineConsult 6 месяцев назад

I will later

@yasminkhan2408 4 месяца назад

Hi Dr. Chet. I see you are replying to comments so I really hope you see this. Would love your insight. My uncle was diagnosed with cervical myelopathy with OPLL. He has undergone two fusion surgeries. 1st Surgery - 18-Mar-2016: Posterior Cervical Decompression (laminectomy C3-C4 & C7-T1). 2nd Surgery - T1, T2 discectomy and C7,T1 fenestration discectomy. He lost lower body function after the second surgery and is currently wheelchair bound and paralyzed. Currently, he has syrinx in T2 and severe stenosis and is losing his upper body function. He has extreme chest pain. The doctors are recommending a 3rd decompression surgery from C2-T5, C6-7 and T1-2. However, he is scared that he will lose his upper body movement as well. He is only 49 years old and has young children. Life has been extremely hard for them. Would love to know your insight.

@yasminkhan2408 4 месяца назад

How can I send you MRI documents?

@DonnallySpineConsult 4 месяца назад

Hey there, I do about 15 new patient telemedicines💻🌎 every week. Here is the best path forward: 1- email your insurance card to Spine@TSCspine.com (We don’t take HMOs or Medicaid, but can private pay, unless Medicaid) 2- if we take that insurance THEN upload your images to my portal for our 1st visit. 3- I must have X-rays and MRI, X-rays are critical! “Just” MRI isn’t enough. Need to be from last 12 months. Nothing older is needed, or wanted. 4- You need to get your CD 💿 of your X-ray and MRI (imaging centers will never send them to us) 5- On the top of my website (www.DonnallySpine.com) is the link to UPLOAD images, from YOUR HOME! 🤯🥰 (or at a CVS with Physician LookUp Code k5037438) 6- To recap: email us, get CDs, THEN upload! Step by step: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HpKOfI_1FSs.html - Again- no HMO, no Medicaid. Must have your X-rays and MRI.

@larryherring445 2 месяца назад

🙏

@endersday Год назад

Are there any home exercises or steps I can take to prevent damage while waiting on MRI? My insurance says I need to try steroids for 6 weeks first but I’m currently having trouble walking and am numb frequently. My x rays have noted bone spurs and retrolitheses, facet disease.

@DonnallySpineConsult Год назад

Well, there are some you can find on YT. Happy to take a look, not pushing surgery at all though

@BeachLife61 5 месяцев назад

I would really do your research about surgery, please let that be your last resort !! I’m so sorry I didn’t consult with more Drs..get different opinions before agreeing to this surgety ..best of luck

@sumankulvir 8 месяцев назад

Can you pl suggest life style changes for mild cervical myelopathy, where surgery is nor required. Thanks.

@DonnallySpineConsult 8 месяцев назад

Yes

@sumankulvir 8 месяцев назад

Thanks for your response. I am asking about the suggested life style changes to manage my life better. Thanks.At present no symptoms of myelopathy but my MIR report shows myelopathic changes.... suman.kulvir@gmail.com

@kalubalu3702 10 месяцев назад

Sir, i am suffering from cervical meyolopathy and operated at C5-6-7 PIVD/ACDF. After surgery tingling and numbness vanishes in my neck, shoulder and hand. However due to Myelopathy my walking /gait still not improving. After 5 years of surgery still feel numbness and stiffness in both legs hence waiting affected and lumber pain. As per post surgery MRI there is no further changes means old and new MRI are exactly similar except at C5-6-7 which is fused after surgery. Hence please advise whether this can be improved means are there any chances to strengthen the legs, remove stiffness by overcoming this cervical meyolopathy. Please advise suitably. Thanks!

@DonnallySpineConsult 10 месяцев назад

Really hard to say, I’d need to see it

@user-om3zp9kn5m 11 месяцев назад

I have bulge in my nech in c6 ,5,4,3 its showing in MRI minimal bulges but in c5 i have herniated disc that contected with spinal cord my symptoms i have numbness tingling in both hand and leg's now am taking medication for what do you think making surgery or wating for get back by its own that herniated disc advice me please

@DonnallySpineConsult 11 месяцев назад

Hey there, I do about 15 new patient telemedicines💻🌎 every week. Here is the best path forward: 1- email your insurance card to Spine@TSCspine.com (We don’t take HMOs or Medicaid, but can private pay unless Medicaid) 2- if we take that insurance THEN upload your images to my portal for our 1st visit. 3- I must have X-rays and MRI, X rays are critical. Just MRI isn’t enough. Need to be from last 12 months. Nothing older is needed, or wanted. 4- You need to get your CD 💿 of your X ray and MRI (imaging centers will never send them to us) 5- On the top of my website (www.DonnallySpine.com) is the link to UPLOAD images, from YOUR HOME! 🤯🥰 6- To recap: email us, get CDs, THEN upload! Step by step: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HpKOfI_1FSs.html - If HMO you can reach out to a Patient Navigator at www.sonoSpineSurgery.com and they can try to help connect us! Or for HMOs email: Refer@sonospinesurgery.com

@user-ge3iy4dt3j 10 месяцев назад

Hello, can a cervical MRI differentiate between cervical myelopathy and cervical radiculopathy?

@DonnallySpineConsult 9 месяцев назад

Yes

@user-ge3iy4dt3j 9 месяцев назад

@@DonnallySpineConsult Thank you. One more question.Will the MRI show whether it’s mild, moderate or severe?

@robertkallick48 11 месяцев назад

Hello, I recently (4 weeks ago) had a combination of a disk replacement (C3-4 and C5-6) with a fusion at C4-5, I am still having the symptoms prior to the surgery (numbness in my middle, ring, pinky fingers on both hands and a myelopathic gait (walking like drunk all the time)). My most recent MRI (last week) showed "Continued increased T2 signal within the spinal cord at the C5-C6 level consistent with myelomalacia. Uncinate region spurring with severe appearing encroachment neural foramina." I am wondering if the nerves will regenerate so my symptoms go away or is this permanent? It is really hard to walk since it feels like my legs aren't getting the info to move fast enough and almost like my knee locks back and then I take a hard step forward. Thanks.

@DonnallySpineConsult 11 месяцев назад

Hard to say

@frankrob23 10 месяцев назад

@@DonnallySpineConsultyou Don’t say much

@coffeehead68 10 месяцев назад

No, not unless you are paying him.@@frankrob23

@robmcguckin7605 5 месяцев назад

@@frankrob23 Once your insurance is approved, he will talk with you.

@rygarq2 9 дней назад

@@robmcguckin7605lmao

@mahithota7201 7 месяцев назад

How serious is myelomalacia at c3c4

@DonnallySpineConsult 7 месяцев назад

Very

@georgemphande9643 4 месяца назад

For how long can veins get damage after knowing that you have cervical myelopathy spine cord injury.

@DonnallySpineConsult 4 месяца назад

Based on mri

@kcpoodlesofpa 4 месяца назад

This is why I had 90 minutes of MRI on Saturday. Counting the days to see the result.

@DonnallySpineConsult 4 месяца назад

Hey there, I do about 15 new patient telemedicines💻🌎 every week. Here is the best path forward: 1- email your insurance card to Spine@TSCspine.com (We don’t take HMOs or Medicaid, but can private pay, unless Medicaid) 2- if we take that insurance THEN upload your images to my portal for our 1st visit. 3- I must have X-rays and MRI, X-rays are critical! “Just” MRI isn’t enough. Need to be from last 12 months. Nothing older is needed, or wanted. 4- You need to get your CD 💿 of your X-ray and MRI (imaging centers will never send them to us) 5- On the top of my website (www.DonnallySpine.com) is the link to UPLOAD images, from YOUR HOME! 🤯🥰 (or at a CVS with Physician LookUp Code k5037438) 6- To recap: email us, get CDs, THEN upload! Step by step: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HpKOfI_1FSs.html - Again- no HMO, no Medicaid. Must have your X-rays and MRI.

@kcpoodlesofpa 4 месяца назад

I have medicare.

@kingfisher3807 11 месяцев назад

Hello doctor have you ever done a laminectomy to treat cervical myelopathy on someone who has already had ACDF surgery? Can it be done if you've already had ACDF surgery? Like your videos they are very informative

@DonnallySpineConsult 11 месяцев назад

Interesting, maybe if fused

@sillybillyvideo 4 месяца назад

4 and a half months post ACDF C4-C7. Congenital spine, hypermobile Ehler Danlos syndrome. I still cannot feel most of my left hand, the left side of my torso, across my stomach and right pinky. My spinal cord was almost severed. I'm starting to think this is my new normal and not sure I'll be able to return to work. It all seems permanently damaged. 😢

@DonnallySpineConsult 3 месяца назад

👍

@CraigConnors День назад

I sure wish we had doctors and surgeons in our town and state who care about their patients. They have told me what is wrong, but because I am on medicaid they won't do anything but testing. As soon as I stand my hands start to burn and my feet go numb. What can cause natural fusing? I have 3 cervical vertebrae fused in the front of my neck and has my throat half closed off making it very difficult to swallow. All they want to do is medicate me.

@DonnallySpineConsult 13 часов назад

Hey there, Dr. Donnally does about 15 new patient telemedicines💻 every week. Here is the best path forward: 1- email your insurance card to Spine@TSCspine.com (We don’t take HMOs or Medicaid, but can private pay, unless Medicaid) 2- if we take that insurance THEN upload your images to my portal for your 1st visit. 3- I must have X-rays and MRI, X-rays are critical! “Just” MRI isn’t enough and is a misuse of your time. It needs to be from last 12 months. Nothing older is needed or wanted. 4- You need to get your CD of your X-ray and MRI (imaging centers will never send them to us) 5- On the top of my website (www.DonnallySpine.com) is the link to UPLOAD images, from YOUR HOME! 🥰(or at a CVS with Physician LookUp Code k5037438) 6- To recap: email us, get CDs, THEN upload! Step by step: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HpKOfI_1FSs.html - Again- no HMO, no Medicaid. Must have your X-rays and MRI.

@tommccormick9290 9 месяцев назад

I was diagnosed with moderate myelopathy 4 months ago. My hands and arms seem unaffected. But when walking, feel like I'm on the deck of a pitching ship or on a trampoline.

@DonnallySpineConsult 9 месяцев назад

Thank you for the follow

@katheinireland8431 7 месяцев назад

Same. I almost fell over a bunch of times inside the Sphere, in Vegas last month. And at other times, but this was by far the worst.

@user-om3zp9kn5m 9 месяцев назад

How much the cost of surgery for herniated disc in neck c4c5c6

@DonnallySpineConsult 9 месяцев назад

Ask your insurance

@garydunn3037 Месяц назад

How did my late Mother come to get Cervical Myelopathy from a "Routine" Knee Revision Surgery? She had this done back in 2018 and began to experience loss of the use of her left arm. She went for an MRI scan and was diagnosed with this condition. It went on to affect her right arm, then her feet, and eventually both her bowel and bladder. She ended her days, after I could no longer look after her, in a "Nursing Home" where she "Passed Away" after being put on "End of Life Pathway" She survived 12 Days without Food or Liquids, and finally her Breathing and Heart stopped as I sat by her Bedside.

@DonnallySpineConsult Месяц назад

Not sure

@funty3000 8 месяцев назад

You will never ever think you have it is the problem!

@DonnallySpineConsult 8 месяцев назад

🏅

@kingfisher3807 11 месяцев назад

I just had a surgeon tell me he wouldn't perform anymore surgery on me that's why I am asking.....I have no idea what to do now.

@sunnytoo2655 11 месяцев назад

Look into Germany for artificial disc doctors. DO NOT GET A CERVICAL FUSION !! Fusions fail. I have had 6 horrible years of even worse pain after a fusion c-3 through c-7 multi level. I am set soon to have a reversal fusion with 4 level artificial disc replacement and get my live back again. Again never ever get a fusion.

@DonnallySpineConsult 11 месяцев назад

I’m not sure, need to see

@kingfisher3807 11 месяцев назад

@@DonnallySpineConsult Ok thanks for taking the time to respond this has been a very frustrating journey for me. I'm currently suffering from very discomforting numbness everywhere that has noticeably increased in the last 2 months it's not localized. I had a cervical mri on May 8th 2023. I had acdf on C-5 through C-7 performed in September of 2021the surgeon retired shortly after. I was referred to another surgeon and he is the one who told me he would not do a laminectomy on me and to go ahead and try and get a second opinion. I'm becoming very concerned about how fast my condition is changing.

@nileshrobert8123 8 месяцев назад

Sir need to consult you.

@Protogorius 8 месяцев назад

I have constant dizziness and pain in back of the neck with cracks popping 😢 Blurry vision weakness fatigue shaking in muscles 😢 Annoying as hell I drink alcohol too!!!!!!

@DonnallySpineConsult 8 месяцев назад

✅

@kamalbaidya1435 Год назад

Please make video on spinal tumor

@DonnallySpineConsult Год назад

@MacchiatoSwirlGirl Месяц назад

I pray pray that dancing molecules will be approved soon. Fusion made me worse

@DonnallySpineConsult Месяц назад

Wut

@cindylandry7856 11 месяцев назад

I cant get my doctors to take action. 6 severe pinched nerves in my neck, 2 spurs on T8 with broken faucet, with sciatica. Pain moves from one whole side of body to the next. My career ended when I was on my way from $65/hour to $85-125/ hour painting murals. I had to close my sign shop. Life is so depressing with the constant pain.

@cindylandry7856 11 месяцев назад

My spine in my neck is compressed up to cord itself. Hit by an 18 wheeler fully loaded while at a stop in 2008. I want my career back even if I only paint canvas. 😢

@DonnallySpineConsult 11 месяцев назад

I’m sorry to hear

@AashishmJogi 8 месяцев назад

@@cindylandry7856hi Cindy how r u doing now and how old are you? I ak suffering the same too 😢