Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

This information may be useful for those who have been medically diagnosed with degenerative cervical myelopathy. People who are experiencing new or ongoing symptoms should visit their healthcare professional for assessment, diagnosis or treatment.

Read about managing a neck problem

What is degenerative cervical myelopathy

Degenerative cervical mylopathy is a condition that is caused by age related changes to the bones, ligaments and discs of the neck. This can sometimes cause pressure on the spinal cord which can affect function of the nerves.

Symptoms of degenerative cervical myelopathy

It’s common to experience one or multiple symptoms.

The most common symptoms include:

  • pain or stiffness in the neck
  • tingling or numbness in the arms or legs (often starting in fingertips or toes) or less commonly in the body
  • change or loss in the manual coordination or dexterity in the hands (e.g. fastening buttons or tying shoelaces)
  • pain, weakness or heaviness in the arms or legs
  • imbalance or feeling unsteady which may lead to falls
  • difficulty walking
  • change of bladder or bowel function, such as increased urgency or incontinence

When to get professional help

Many people have a combination of neck pain, arm pain, numbness and weakness. These symptoms can be distressing, but don’t necessarily require urgent medical attention.

Sometimes symptoms can progress suddenly, early recognition and treatment can prevent further deterioration.

If you feel that your symptoms are gradually worsening over time you should contact your healthcare professional to discuss this.

Call 111 if you have a new onset or significant worsening of the following symptoms:

  • changing sensation in the arms, hands or legs and feet (e.g. numbness or pins and needles)
  • clumsy hands (e.g. knocking things over)
  • loss of dexterity (e.g. struggling with handwriting, buttons or zips)
  • weakness or heaviness in the arms and legs or hands and feet (e.g. dropping things or tripping over)
  • reduced balance causing unsteadiness or falls
  • difficulty walking because the legs feel heavy, stiff or weak
  • worsening pain in the arms or legs
  • changing sensation around the bottom and/or genitalia
  • recent changes to bladder function (e.g. urgency, difficulty passing urine or leaking)
  • changes to bowel function (e.g. leaking or inability to control wind)
  • sexual dysfunction (recent inability to achieve orgasm or erection)

Diagnosing degenerative cervical myelopathy

In order for degenerative cervical myelopathy to be diagnosed you’ll need an assessment from a healthcare professional.

They’ll ask you questions about your symptoms and then carry out a physical examination. This may include checking your strength, movement and nerve function.

Depending on the examination you may then be offered an MRI scan.

You may sometimes need to have a further examination to rule out other causes of these symptoms.

Causes of degenerative cervical myelopathy

Degenerative cervical mylopathy is a condition that causes pressure on the spinal cord which can affect function of the nerves. There are a number of reasons this pressure can happen including:

  • age related narrowing
  • significant changes to the bones, ligaments or discs in the neck

As we get older, aging in the spine can cause narrowing and a reduction of space for the spinal nerves leading to compression.

Treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy

The treatments for degenerative cervical myelopathy depend on your assessment and investigation by your healthcare professional.

Some peoples symptoms are able to be managed with self-management and modifications to their activities.

Your healthcare professional may discuss whether surgery is an option for you.

Work

A neck problem can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work to help recovery. How long you’re off will depend on the nature of your condition and your role at work.

This is a long term condition and it’s a good idea to discuss with your employer or occupational health what support you need to return to or remain at work.

Further support

When dealing with any health condition it’s important to also look after your mental wellbeing as this can impact your recovery.

Last updated:
15 December 2023