Myelopathy Treatment In New Jersey

Myelopathy is a spinal condition that occurs when the spinal cord becomes irritated or compressed, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. If you are experiencing neck or back pain, weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, coordination problems, or difficulty with everyday movements, myelopathy could be an underlying cause.

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our fellowship-trained orthopedic spine specialist provides comprehensive care for patients experiencing symptoms related to spinal cord compression. Schedule your initial consultation today to learn more about myelopathy and explore treatment options tailored to your needs and mobility goals.  

What Is Myelopathy?

Myelopathy is a general medical term that refers to irritation, inflammation, injury, or compression of the spinal cord. The spinal cord runs through the center of the spinal column, acting as the primary communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. When it becomes compressed or otherwise damaged, nerve signals may not travel properly, leading to neurologic symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination.

Myelopathy most commonly occurs in the cervical spine (neck), but can also develop in the thoracic spine (upper back). Because the spinal cord typically ends around the L1-L2 vertebral level, lumbar myelopathy (myelopathy in the lower back) is very rare.

Myelopathy Vs. Other Spinal Conditions

Myelopathy is not technically a diagnosis in and of itself. Rather, it’s a medical term used to describe the effects of spinal cord irritation or compression, which can occur with a range of spinal injuries and conditions.

Radiculopathy, the irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root where it exits the spinal column, is commonly confused with myelopathy. While both terms refer to spine-related nerve compression, they involve different structures of the nervous system and symptoms, as shown below:

What Causes Myelopathy?

Many different spinal injuries and conditions can place pressure on the spinal cord, leading to the development of myelopathy. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our leading spine team frequently works with patients experiencing myelopathy related to:

• Degenerative Disc Disease – As intervertebral discs wear down over time, the space within the spinal canal may decrease, placing pressure on the spinal cord.
• Spinal Stenosis – The narrowing of the spinal canal associated with spinal stenosis can compress the spinal cord and interfere with normal nerve function.
• Herniated Discs – When the soft inner portion of an intervertebral disc is significantly displaced or pushes through its outer layer, the disc may press against the spinal cord, resulting in pain and neurologic symptoms.
• Bone Spurs – Bone spurs that develop due to spinal arthritis, injury, or other conditions may place pressure on the spinal cord, which leads to worsening symptoms of myelopathy over time.
• Traumatic Injuries – Fractures, swelling, or displaced tissue caused by a traumatic injury to the spine can compress the spinal cord and lead to the development of myelopathy.
• Tumors or Abnormal Growths – In rare cases, tumors or other growths can develop in or around the spinal canal and compress the spinal cord.

Identifying the underlying cause of myelopathy symptoms is an essential step in determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

Myelopathy Symptoms

Myelopathy symptoms can vary from patient to patient, depending on the location and severity of spinal cord compression. Common symptoms include:

• Neck or back pain
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs
• Loss of coordination
• Clumsiness of the hands
• Balance problems
• Difficulty walking

Common Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing myelopathy. These include:

• Age-related spinal degeneration (degenerative myelopathy)
• A history of spinal injuries
• Spinal stenosis
• Herniated discs
• Spinal arthritis
• Tumors or abnormal spinal growths

Treatment Options

The best approach for myelopathy treatment depends on a range of factors, including the underlying cause of spinal cord compression, the severity of the symptoms, and the overall health of the patient. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our spine specialist focuses on non-surgical treatments whenever possible, developing personalized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each patient.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Many patients with early or mild symptoms of cervical myelopathy or thoracic myelopathy may benefit from conservative treatment options, including:

• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Pain management
• Medications

Surgical Treatment Options

When myelopathy symptoms become severe or are persistent despite conservative management, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical procedures for myelopathy relief include:

• Cervical fusion
• Cervical disc replacement
• Cervical laminectomy and fusion/laminoplasty
• Thoracic laminectomy/fusion

About Dr. Joseph Pyun

Dr. Joseph Pyun is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of complex spinal conditions, including spinal cord compression and myelopathy. He is committed to a compassionate, relationship-based approach that helps patients understand their condition and explore treatment options that support long-term mobility and quality of life. Dr. Pyun prioritizes non-surgical and minimally invasive techniques, performing advanced spine surgery only when it offers the most effective path forward for his patients.

Why Choose Modern Orthopaedics Of New Jersey?

When you choose Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, you choose:

• Leading orthopedic spine surgeons at the top of their field
• Advanced, minimally invasive treatment techniques
• Cutting-edge technology in a state-of-the-art environment
• Personalized, patient-focused spine care

Book An Appointment Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms of myelopathy or spinal cord compression, early evaluation can make an important difference. Contact our Paramus, Wayne, or Parsippany location today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pyun and take the first step toward full mobility and function.