Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Trouble with balance or walking
- Loss of fine motor skills (buttoning shirts, handwriting)
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling that spreads
- In advanced cases, bowel or bladder changes
Cervical
Myelopathy .
Cervical myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord becomes compressed in the neck and is considered a serious, progressive condition. Symptoms may include difficulty walking, balance problems, weakness in the arms or legs, loss of fine motor skills, and, in advanced cases, bowel or bladder changes.
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Diagnosis first. Treatment second.
Cervical (Neck) spine condition treated with conservative options first and motion-preserving surgery when needed.
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Cervical Myelopathy at a glance
- What it is: Cervical myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord becomes compressed in the neck and is considered a serious, progressive condition. Symptoms may include difficulty walking, balance problems, weakness in the arms or legs, loss of fine motor skills, and, in advanced cases, bowel or bladder changes.
- Common symptoms: Trouble with balance or walking; Loss of fine motor skills (buttoning shirts, handwriting); Weakness in arms or legs.
- First-line treatment: Prompt specialist evaluation — Because myelopathy can progress, early diagnosis matters. Dr. Yasmeh reviews imaging and exam findings to grade severity.
- When surgery is considered: progressive symptoms, neurological changes, or pain unresponsive to conservative care.
Symptoms & causes
Understanding cervical myelopathy
Causes
Common causes
- Cervical stenosis (most common)
- Large disc herniation pressing on the cord
- Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL)
- Trauma to the cervical spine
- Tumors or other space-occupying lesions
How Dr. Yasmeh treats it
Treatment options
Dr. Yasmeh starts with the least-invasive option that fits your case and only escalates when clearly needed.
Conservative care
Step 1Conservative care first
Most patients improve without surgery. Dr. Yasmeh sequences therapy, medication, and targeted injections before considering operative options.
- Prompt specialist evaluation — Because myelopathy can progress, early diagnosis matters. Dr. Yasmeh reviews imaging and exam findings to grade severity.
- Postoperative rehabilitation — A structured therapy plan supports recovery of balance, strength, and coordination.
Surgical care
When neededWhen surgery is the right answer
When non-operative care has not worked or symptoms are progressive, Dr. Yasmeh offers motion-preserving techniques whenever clinically appropriate.
- Cervical laminoplasty — Often the procedure of choice for multilevel cord compression — it decompresses the cord while preserving motion.
- Decompression with fusion — When instability is present, decompression combined with fusion may be the safer option.
Common questions
About cervical myelopathy.
- Most patients improve with conservative care — physical therapy, medication, and targeted injections. Dr. Yasmeh only recommends surgery when symptoms are progressive, when there is neurological compromise, or when conservative care has not resolved the problem.
- Diagnosis combines a careful history, physical exam, and imaging (typically MRI). Dr. Yasmeh reviews your imaging with you in plain language so you understand what's happening.
- Yes — Dr. Yasmeh offers second opinions, especially for patients told they need fusion. He evaluates motion-preserving alternatives like laminoplasty or artificial disc replacement when clinically appropriate.
- Dr. Yasmeh sees patients at four offices across Greater Los Angeles: East LA (1700 E Cesar Chavez Ave), Glendale (1505 Wilson Terrace), Santa Fe Springs (12215 Telegraph Rd), and Tarzana (18840 Ventura Blvd).
Related procedures
Procedures Dr. Yasmeh performs for this condition
Cervical Laminoplasty
Learn more about this procedure and when Dr. Yasmeh recommends it.
Read moreSpinal Decompression
Learn more about this procedure and when Dr. Yasmeh recommends it.
Read moreSpinal Fusion
Learn more about this procedure and when Dr. Yasmeh recommends it.
Read moreRobotic Spine Surgery
Learn more about this procedure and when Dr. Yasmeh recommends it.
Read moreReady when you are
Get clarity on your cervical myelopathy today.
Same-week appointments. Four Greater LA offices. Most insurance accepted.