Myelopathy Treatment In Dallas

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Myelopathy, a condition caused by spinal cord compression, can be debilitating, affecting your ability to live an active, pain-free life. The spinal cord travels the length of your back, transmitting nerve messages to and from other parts of your body. An injury here can lead to pain, loss of motor control, and even paralysis.

Like with many spine conditions, the earlier you address myelopathy, the better your chance of a positive outcome. Consulting with your Dallas, Texas, neurosurgeon is the first step toward establishing a diagnosis and myelopathy treatment plan that can ease the pressure on your spinal cord, begin the healing process, and reduce your pain and nerve damage.

Spinal Cord Compression

Protected by the vertebrae, the spinal cord is both vital and delicate. Compression can happen as the result of:

· Herniated disc

· Injury

· Degenerative osteoarthritis

· Growths like cysts or tumors

· Hematomas

· and more

The cause is frequently an external source impinging upon the spinal cord, such as a herniated disc in your neck or extremities, such as a tumor or cyst.

To identify the cause of the compression, your DFW neurosurgeon will talk to you about your medical history and order appropriate diagnostic tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

Myelopathy Symptoms

Spinal cord compression can occur in any area of the spine, from the cervical vertebrae in the neck, down through the thoracic spine, and even into the lumbar area.

While the spinal cord may be the area directly impacted, symptoms can occur anywhere below the spinal cord compression because all of the body’s nerves use it as a conduit to the brain. These symptoms can include pain, numbness, tingling, the loss of motor skills, or loss of balance and gait instability.

It’s not uncommon for myelopathy patients to never feel pain in their neck and back, leading to a delay in seeking treatment.

Myelopathy Treatment

Once the cause of your spinal cord compression is established, your doctor will determine whether surgery is necessary.

When addressed early, your myelopathy treatment plan may start with more conservative approaches, like physical therapy or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and correct alignment issues.

If an operation is necessary, minimally invasive spine surgery, or microscopic decompression, will be considered first. Depending on the extent of the myelopathy, your neurosurgeon may have to consider other surgical options on a case-by-case basis.

Getting Your Back Back-in-Action

The first step toward healing starts with contacting a Dallas neurosurgeon with a track record of many successful myelopathy treatments. David Barnett, MD, is a trusted DFW neurosurgeon who takes a conservative approach to treatment that prioritizes the patient’s long-term health and a pain-free future. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Barnett today.

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From start to finish, Dr. Barnett and his staff were always informative and professional. Dr. Barnett performed my neck surgery and lower back surgery all during a pandemic and everything worked out perfect. Highly recommend Dr. Barnett. Top notch.

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