Spinal cord compression, a serious medical condition, demands immediate and effective treatment to prevent lasting nerve damage. In more acute cases, high-dose steroids are often employed to protect nerve cells until further treatments can be administered. Among these treatments, radiation therapy is notable for its ability to shrink tumors that are pressing on the spinal cord. Complementing these medical interventions, physical therapy plays a crucial role, with exercises designed to strengthen back, abdominal, and leg muscles.
Cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy are specific conditions resulting from the compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots in the cervical vertebrae, respectively. These conditions typically present with symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion in the neck.
To address these issues, various types of spine decompression surgery are performed. At the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), this includes procedures like laminectomy, laminotomy, laminoplasty, discectomy, and microdiscectomy. For problems in the lower back, lumbar decompression surgery, such as lumbar laminectomy, laminotomy, or microdiscectomy, may be recommended.
Full recovery from cervical decompression surgery averages around five weeks. For those seeking expert care, finding a spine care specialist is advisable. This surgery involves removing structures that are compressing the nerves in the cervical section of the spinal canal or vertebral foramen.
Physical therapy, as part of the recovery process, includes exercises to strengthen back, abdominal, and leg muscles. Patients may also learn safer ways to perform daily activities. Supportive braces or a cervical collar can provide additional help.
Spinal decompression can treat various symptoms and conditions, including back or neck pain, bulging or herniated disks, degenerative disk disease, radiculopathy, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. For severe thoracic disc herniations, anterior (front) or lateral (side) surgical approaches might be necessary. One such procedure is the Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), involving the removal of a herniated disc through the front of the neck.
The primary aim of surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy is to decompress the spinal cord and halt symptom progression. Thus, the primary goal is to prevent further deterioration.
For detailed information on these procedures and conditions, refer to resources provided by the University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester Neurosurgery Department, Northwell Orthopaedic Institute, UC San Diego Health, University of Utah Health, and Columbia University Department of Neurosurgery.
