ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Myelopathy

What is myelopathy?

12 December 2025

It refers to a trauma or injury to the spinal cord resulting from severe compression on it, which alters its function.

Myelopathy develops gradually as a result of the progressive degeneration of the spine over the years or due to a congenital defect.

It occurs most frequently in people over 50 years of age.

Myelopathy is classified as:

  • Cervical (neck)
  • Thoracic (mid-back)
  • Lumbar (lower back)

There are a number of conditions that can contribute to its onset, such as:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other autoimmune diseases.
  • Spinal canal stenosis.
  • Hematomas.
  • Herniated discs.
  • Infections.
  • Cysts or tumors.
  • Neurological disorders.
  • Broken or damaged vertebrae.

Signs and symptoms Myelopathy

  • Leg cramps.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Difficulty walking.
  • Difficulty carrying out daily tasks.
  • Neck and back pain.
  • Numbness and tingling.
  • Discomfort in the hands or feet.
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control (incontinence).
  • Altered reflexes in the limbs.

Diagnosis and treatment Myelopathy

The specialist will analyze your symptoms and clinical history, then perform a physical examination and request tests to help rule out other disorders and confirm the diagnosis, such as:

  • Electromyography (EMG).
  • Myelography.
  • X-rays.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Treatment will depend on the cause and severity, but the primary goal is to reduce the symptoms through the intake of corticosteroids, physical therapy, and spinal support devices.

In more extreme cases, a surgical procedure may be required to remove the herniated disc, tumor, cyst, or bone spur that is pressing on the spinal cord.

At the Neurology Center, a group of highly trained and certified doctors in various neurological specialties are ready to assist you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.

Related centers and departments Myelopathy

Neurology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • neurologia.com
  • elsevier.es
  • newrospine.com.mx
  • webcir.org
  • bmc.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Bazán PL, Cancinos JD, Romano YN, et al. Tratamiento quirúrgico de la mielopatía cervical. Columna. 2011;1(2):24-30.
  • Vicente-Altabás MA, Capablo-Liesa JL, Velilla-Marco J, et al. Mielopatía secundaria a lupus eritematoso sistémico. Med Int Mex. 2023;39(2):412-417.
  • Martínez SJA, Monreal MR, Soto GAH, et al. Mielopatía cervicotorácica secundaria a micetoma. Ortho-tips. 2022;18(3):258-262.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.