Spine Disorders
TREATMENT The treatment of compressive myelopathy is usually surgical. If myelopathy
associated with an infection and antibiotic course will be used. The early
treatment of many cases of myelopathy may include the use of a steroid such as
methylprednisone in an attempt to reduce inflammation and spinal cord swelling.
If the workup reveals a systemic contribution the underlying disease will
require treatment and close monitoring. Bleeding in and/or around the spinal
cord may be associated with a blood clotting disorders or medication which will
need to be addressed. Individual with myelopathy are generally not good
candidates for spinal manipulation of the involvement region of the cord.
Spinal cord injury may require surgical intervention to decompress the spinal
cord and stabilize damaged vertebral segments of the spinal column. PREVENTION The best
way to prevent neck and back pain and to prevent progressive spine compromise
is to become familiar with how your spine works and to become an active
participant in your spinecare. It is important to learn how to choose a
spinecare specialist and to recognize an efficient spinecare team. There are
many steps you can take and habits you can develop to better care for your
spine and prevent spine injury. It is also important that you learn more about your
spine disorder and become aware of the signs and symptoms that warrant
intervention and follow up care. Early detection and timely intervention is
generally associated with better treatment outcome. |