Cervical Myelopathy and Chiropractic Care: A Comprehensive Guide
In today’s society, where the frequent use of smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets is common, neck stiffness is a prevalent complaint that affects many. However, what if it is a symptom of something more serious? Something in the mold of cervical myelopathy?
Cervical myelopathy is more than just neck pain. It is an ailment that has a negative impact on the spinal cord in the neck area, which, if not addressed, may lead to a painful and debilitating experience. This is the reason why it should not be taken for granted.
The good news is that all is not lost for those who are affected by the said condition since it can be treated with a combination of osteopathic treatments and chiropractic massage for cervical myelopathy. If properly implemented, they can alleviate symptoms, provide relief, and bolster the body’s recovery efforts by tapping its innate ability to heal itself.
This article aims to extensively explain the said condition and how chiropractic care can help treat cervical myelopathy. Read on to find out more.
Cervical Myelopathy: An Overview
According to Science Direct, cervical myelopathy is a disorder that is characterized by an inappropriate compression of the spinal cord, which eventually results in a neurological compromise. It is one of the most common forms of spinal dysfunction over age 55. In line with this, per a study that was released in 2009, 90% of individuals may be affected by the said ailment by the time they reach their 70s.
In addition to neck pain, cervical myelopathy symptoms may include loss of balance, decreased motor strength, bladder disturbances, difficulty walking, and so forth.
Causes of Cervical Myelopathy
As one ages, inflammation, bone spurs, arthritis, and the flattening of the spinal discs may put inappropriate amounts of pressure on the spinal cord and its surrounding nerve roots. All these contribute to the development of cervical myelopathy, but it may also take an acute form, which may arise due to spine irregularities that may be present at birth.
Other causes include the following:
Spinal Stenosis
As one ages, arthritis in the spine may cause narrowness in the spaces within the spinal column; this condition is called spinal stenosis.
Slip or Herniated Disc
In certain instances, one of the discs that cushions the spine herniates or bulges out between vertebrae. When this happens, it can be pushed into the spinal cord; consequently placing in appropriate amounts of pressure. This is called a herniated disc, a condition that can be treated with chiropractic massage.
Spinal Tumor
Spinal tumors, regardless if cancerous or otherwise, can put inappropriate amounts of tension in the spinal cord and lead to cervical myelopathy.
Neurodegenerative diseases
Conditions like Parkinson’s Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) may have a negative impact on how the nerves in the spinal cord function.
Chiropractic Care for Cervical Myelopathy
Chiropractic care for cervical myelopathy that includes chiropractic massage prioritizes the musculoskeletal system, notably the spine. In line with this, some practitioners may suggest specific techniques for patients. The potential benefits of this approach are as follows:
Relieve Pain
It is safe to say that chiropractic care has made a name for itself when it comes to pain relief. Consequently, the American College of Physicians recommends a combination of spinal manipulation, heat, massage, and acupuncture to treat pain.
Also, according to Harvard Health Publishing (Harvard Medical School), the ultimate goal of the said holistic approach is to relieve pain and aid patients in to managing their ailment at their home.
Improve Mobility
Individuals who are affected by cervical myelopathy are known to encounter range of motion issues. Why is this the case? Well, the spinal cord is in-charge of delivering signals from the brain to the rest of the body.
As mentioned earlier, the said condition compresses the spinal cord. When this happens, the neural tissues, tissues that regulate the body’s movements may become damaged. This, in turn, impedes a person’s fine motor skills.
This is where the cervical traction and spinal manipulation techniques of a chiro doctor comes in. They reduce pain, scale down neck discomfort, and, therefore, improve the neck’s range of motion. The mentioned techniques work by reducing compression, promoting blood vascularity (related to blood vessels). On top of all these, they can also alleviate corresponding conditions that include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, etc.
In the long run, the said benefits can mitigate cervical myelopathy symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Chiropractic Care: A Complementary Treatment
Chiropractic therapy can be a complementary treatment that can be performed hand-in-hand with conventional medical care. During cervical myelopathy treatment, medical personnel oversee a personalized approach, which includes post surgical rehab if surgery is accomplished. Afterward, a chiropractor aids in rehabilitation by performing supportive therapies like chiropractic massage and soft tissue manipulation that can reduce scar tissue formation, enhance recovery, and boost overall function.
However, to ensure that the two methods are going to complement each other, regular communication and proper collaboration need to be performed by both medical and chiropractic doctors. This ensures that a patient’s safety and welfare are not going to be compromised and all aspects of the said condition are going to be addressed.
Is Chiropractic Adjustment Safe for Cervical Myelopathy?
In general, it should be noted that neck adjustments are safe, given that they are performed by an extensively trained as well as licensed chiro. Also, it is important to note that, as with other medical procedures, risks are involved with temporary soreness and mild discomfort in the adjusted area.
While there are serious complications such as artery dissection that may lead to stroke, bear in mind that it is extremely rare and its risks can be significantly reduced if a patient provides the chiropractor his or her complete medical history.
Summing up
Cervical myelopathy is a debilitating ailment that requires careful decision-making, especially when it comes to treatment. In line with this, while chiropractic massage is beneficial for a vast majority of patients, it is still important to proceed with caution and make sure that safety is not compromised in the process.
Therefore, for patients, it is best to practice open communication with medical doctors and choose a highly qualified and licensed chiropractor who has undergone extensive training on gentle techniques.
This is where our doctors at Posture Perfect Chiropractic come in. They are backed by a comprehensive skill set and have undergone many years of training to offer the most comprehensive chiro management for cervical myelopathy and other conditions.
