Treatment for Lumbar Myelopathy in New Jersey
Most adults experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime, and this global problem is projected to affect over 840 million people by 2050. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports most cases occur in people 50 to 55 years old, and low back pain is more prevalent in women, but it can affect people of all ages.
If you are experiencing discomfort and back pain, consult an experienced spine specialist. Branko Skovrlj, MD, is the founder and lead spine surgeon at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute in New Jersey. Patients can make an appointment at one of our offices in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel. Learn more about lumbar myelopathy and the treatments to alleviate symptoms.
What Is Lumbar Myelopathy?
The term lumbar myelopathy describes a pinched or compressed spinal cord in the lumbar region of the spine. The lumbar region, or lower back, includes the vertebrae labeled L1 to L5. These extend from right below the ribcage to the very bottom of the spine, where the hips are located. The sacrum is the area that connects the spine and hip bones.
There are many missed days of work and chronic disability related to pain in the lower back or lumbar sacrum region of the spine. If left untreated, the pain can affect other parts of the body and the extremities, as well. Lumbar myelopathy is just one cause of pain occurring in the lower back.
The spinal cord is enclosed within the vertebral bones, cartilage, and other tissues of the spine. This structure helps protect our central nervous system, which consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system. The spinal cord relays information from the brain throughout our peripheral system. This is the mechanism by which movement, sensory input, and other functions of the body are accomplished.
When pressure is placed on any area of the spinal cord, nerves can become compressed, and the symptoms of myelopathy can occur. These usually include back pain. Lumbar myelopathy is related to nerves compressed or pinched in the lower back area. The causes of spinal compression are varied and may result from trauma, a congenital condition of birth, or degenerative diseases.
Regardless of the cause, the spine specialists at NU-Spine can offer procedures for spinal decompression to help reduce or eliminate back pain and restore physical functions.
What Causes Lumbar Myelopathy?
Lumbar myelopathy often occurs slowly over time. This gradual deterioration can be difficult to notice at first. It may be related to spondylosis, a condition that develops with general wear and tear on our bodies and spines. Also called spinal osteoarthritis, spondylosis can develop as people age.
However, lumbar myelopathy sometimes can appear suddenly without apparent cause. In other patients, it may result from a lumbar deformity or other spinal birth defect. Here are some other factors that can contribute to lumbar myelopathy:
- Aging: Weak muscles are not able to support the spinal column adequately
- Lifestyle: Sedentary habits can place pressure on the lower back, and obesity adds to that pressure
- Lumbar spinal stenosis: Results in a narrowing of the spinal column and pressure on the spinal cord
- Lumbar herniated discs: When cracked, leaking, or bulging discs put pressure on nerves and the nerve roots
- Rheumatoid arthritis: If vertebrae decay, nerves can become pinched and compressed
- Lumbar radiculopathy: Also called nerve root compression
- Spinal injury: Resulting from traumatic damage, infection, or radiation therapy
- Other problems: Cysts, tumors, hernias, and cancers can cause spinal compression
Just as there are many causes of lumbar myelopathy, symptoms of the condition also can be quite varied. The medical team at NU-Spine can provide a thorough examination and diagnosis for your spinal condition. If you are experiencing low back pain, don’t wait until it worsens. Conditions that lead to compression of the spinal cord can be treated. At NU-Spine, we use noninvasive treatments, as well as surgical interventions.
What Are the Symptoms of Lumbar Myelopathy?
Symptoms of lumbar myelopathy stem from compression of spinal cord nerves in the lower back. They often cause back pain and loss of sensation. Physical functions also may be reduced or restricted. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with lumbar myelopathy:
- Leg and low back pain
- Numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation
- Pain or numbness that radiates to the lower back, hips, and legs
- Difficulty with walking or other motor skills
- Increased reflex reactions or abnormal functions of hands and feet
- Loss of control over bowel or bladder
- Problems achieving and maintaining balance
If you display one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment with NU-Spine. Along with a physical examination and review of your medical history, we may order imaging and other tests. These may include:
- X-rays, to rule out other conditions, such as cervical myelopathy and thoracic myelopathy
- Myelography, which also uses X-ray technology to examine the spine
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to identify areas of stenosis or reveal other soft tissue conditions
- Electromyogram, which tests nerve reflexes
At NU-Spine, we pay close attention and ensure a complete diagnosis before determining the best treatment plan.
What Are My Options for Lumbar Myelopathy Treatment?
Initially, noninvasive therapies may be prescribed to help reduce pain and inflammation. These include pain medications, physical therapy, and sometimes back braces. If these offer only short-term relief, they may still be helpful to prepare you for minimally invasive spine surgery or other procedures.
In most cases, the best solution is minimally invasive surgery performed by an experienced spine specialist. Our medical team uses the latest medical technology and procedures to help relieve and eliminate back pain. This often is the best way to effect spinal decompression. Here are some of the most common surgical methods for treating lumbar myelopathy:
- Lumbar Decompression: Back pain can be addressed by relieving the pressure on the spinal cord. There are several types of procedures used in lumbar decompression, depending on the specific condition of your spine.
- Laminectomy: The lamina is part of the vertebral bone that covers and protects the spinal column. Spine specialists use laminectomy to remove the lamina and provide more space for the nerve and nerve root, which is likely causing back pain.
- Minimally Invasive Laminectomy: When possible, NU-Spine surgeons use minimally invasive laminectomy. This offers our patients smaller incisions and reduced risks of infection. There usually is a shorter recovery period, as well as less post-operative pain associated with minimally invasive procedures.
- Spinal Fusion: This procedure fuses two or more vertebrae. The reduced movement between the vertebrae provides more stability and less pressure on nerves. While the outcome of spinal fusion might somewhat limit flexibility, it usually reduces or eliminates back pain and restores functionality.
Find Help for Lumbar Myelopathy at NU-Spine
If your lower back pain is limiting your lifestyle, consider speaking with our spine specialists. At NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, you will gain the benefit of our knowledge and experience in treating spinal conditions and back pain, including lumbar myelopathy. Visit one of our convenient office locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ. For more information, contact us today.
