Myelopathy Treatment in New Jersey
The Jey Institute provides myelopathy treatment in New Jersey for patients experiencing balance problems, difficulty using their hands, weakness, numbness, and other symptoms related to spinal cord compression.
Definition
What is a Myelopathy?
Myelopathy is a condition that develops when the spinal cord becomes compressed or damaged. The spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body, so pressure on it can interfere with balance, coordination, strength, sensation, and other important functions.
This most commonly develops in the neck, but it can occur elsewhere along the spine. Unlike a pinched nerve, which usually affects a specific arm or leg, myelopathy affects the spinal cord itself and can cause symptoms in multiple areas of the body below the level of compression.
Common symptoms of Myelopathy
Myelopathy symptoms often develop gradually and may be easy to overlook at first. Many patients initially notice subtle changes involving their hands, balance, or walking before realizing a spinal cord problem is responsible.
Tasks that once felt automatic may become more difficult. Some people begin dropping objects more often, notice changes in their handwriting, struggle to button clothing, or find that using utensils requires more concentration than before. Others feel less steady while walking, have difficulty navigating stairs, or notice that their balance is not as reliable as it once was.
Because myelopathy affects the spinal cord, symptoms can involve multiple areas of the body at the same time rather than a single arm or leg.
- Difficulty using the hands for tasks requiring fine motor control
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- Changes in balance or coordination
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Neck pain or back pain
- Changes in bladder or bowel control in more advanced cases
- A sudden shock-like feeling that travels through the arms, back, or legs when bending the neck forward
Lhermitte’s Sign
Lhermitte’s sign is a brief shock-like sensation that may occur when bending the neck forward. Patients often describe it as a sudden jolt or tingling feeling that travels down the spine and into the arms or legs.
Not everyone with myelopathy experiences Lhermitte’s sign, but when present, it may suggest irritation or compression affecting the spinal cord.
Types of Myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy is the most common form of myelopathy and occurs when spinal cord compression develops in the neck. Patients may experience hand coordination problems, balance changes, weakness, numbness, or difficulty performing tasks requiring fine motor control.
Thoracic myelopathy
Thoracic myelopathy occurs when spinal cord compression develops in the middle portion of the spine. Symptoms more commonly affect walking, balance, and lower-body function because the nerve pathways controlling the legs pass through this region.
Definition
What causes Myelopathy?
Myelopathy develops when a condition compresses the spinal cord or damages the spinal cord itself. Because the spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body, even gradual pressure can eventually affect balance, coordination, strength, or sensation.
In most cases, age-related changes in the spine slowly reduce the amount of room available for the spinal cord. Other causes may involve injury, abnormal growths, inflammatory conditions, or structural differences present from birth.
Dr. J explained everything in a simplified way that made me very comfortable, and his staff went above and beyond.
When to reach out
When should you see a spine specialist for Myelopathy?
You should see a spine specialist if you begin noticing unexplained changes in balance, walking, hand coordination, strength, or sensation. Evaluation becomes especially important when symptoms continue worsening or begin interfering with independence, mobility, or everyday function.
Many people with myelopathy do not realize their symptoms originate from the spinal cord. Changes often develop slowly and may be mistaken for aging, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other conditions affecting the hands and legs.
Patients should also seek medical attention when symptoms begin affecting multiple areas of the body, such as the hands and legs at the same time. Prompt evaluation can help identify spinal cord compression and determine whether treatment is needed to prevent further neurologic decline.
Risks of untreated Myelopathy
Myelopathy can continue progressing when pressure on the spinal cord remains untreated. While some patients experience only mild progression, others develop worsening neurologic deficits over time.
Without treatment, patients may notice increasing difficulty with balance, walking, hand coordination, strength, or sensation. Tasks such as writing, buttoning clothing, using utensils, or maintaining balance while walking may become more challenging.
In advanced cases, ongoing spinal cord compression can result in permanent neurologic impairment and substantial loss of function. Early evaluation is important because spinal cord damage can become permanent if compression persists for too long.
How do we diagnose Myelopathy?
At the Jey Institute, we diagnose myelopathy by combining a patient’s symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging studies. Because many conditions can cause numbness, weakness, balance problems, or difficulty using the hands, diagnosis requires confirming that the spinal cord is affected and determining what is causing the compression.
- Physical and neurologic examination: We evaluate balance, coordination, reflexes, sensation, strength, and fine motor function.
- MRI scans: MRI is the most important imaging study for identifying spinal cord compression and evaluating changes affecting the spinal cord.
- CT scans: CT imaging provides a detailed view of the bones and structures surrounding the spinal cord.
- X-rays: These images help evaluate spinal alignment, stability, and degenerative changes.
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies: These tests may help distinguish myelopathy from other conditions affecting the nerves or muscles.
Myelopathy Treatment Approach
01
Comprehensive evaluation
02
Surgical decompression
03
Post-operative rehabilitation
When is surgery needed for Myelopathy?
Surgery is often recommended when myelopathy results from spinal cord compression. Unlike many other spine conditions, myelopathy may worsen over time and may lead to permanent neurologic deficits if pressure on the spinal cord remains untreated.
We may recommend surgery when patients develop worsening balance problems, increasing weakness, changes in dexterity, difficulty walking, or imaging that confirms significant spinal cord compression.
The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, help prevent worsening neurologic symptoms, and preserve as much function as possible.
Common Procedures we perform to treat Myelopathy
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Considering an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in New Jersey? Learn how the procedure works, who may be a candidate, and what to expect before and after surgery.
Cervical Laminectomy
A cervical laminectomy removes the bony lamina from one or more neck vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Getting Back to life
Recovery after Myelopathy surgery
The healing process after myelopathy surgery varies from patient to patient and often depends on how long the spinal cord was compressed before treatment. Patients with more severe symptoms or longer-standing spinal cord compression may require more time to recover than those treated earlier in the course of the condition.
Many patients notice improvements in balance, walking, hand function, or numbness after surgery. However, the primary goal of treatment is often to prevent further neurologic decline and preserve function rather than completely reverse every symptom.
Patients who undergo minimally invasive spine surgery may benefit from smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and a shorter recovery period compared to traditional open procedures. Physical therapy or occupational therapy may also be recommended to help improve strength, coordination, balance, and daily function.
Recovery continues after patients return home. Follow-up visits allow us to monitor healing, evaluate neurologic function, and address any concerns during the recovery process.
Who is a candidate for Myelopathy treatment?
Patients with symptoms of spinal cord dysfunction may benefit from evaluation for myelopathy treatment. Some people seek care after noticing early changes in balance, walking, coordination, or hand function, while others are referred after imaging identifies spinal cord compression.
Candidates for treatment may include:
- Patients with imaging-confirmed spinal cord compression and matching symptoms
- Those experiencing progressive weakness, numbness, balance problems, or coordination changes
- Patients with difficulty walking, maintaining balance, or performing tasks requiring fine motor control
- Adults seeking surgical evaluation for myelopathy
- Patients referred for a second opinion or complex spinal cord conditions
- Patients interested in minimally invasive treatment options when appropriate
Dr. Shiveindra Jeyamohan
Lead Spinal Neurosurgeon
Why choose the Jey Institute for your Lumbar Stenosis treatment?
Myelopathy involves the spinal cord, making accurate diagnosis and timely treatment especially important.
At the Jey Institute, we specialize in treating myelopathy and other spinal cord conditions using advanced minimally invasive and microscopic surgical techniques.
We tailor treatment to each patient’s condition with the goal of preserving neurologic function, preventing further decline, and supporting recovery whenever possible.
- 2,200+ Patients served
- 650+ Surgeries performed
Frequently asked questions about Myelopathy
Can Myelopathy affect walking and balance?
Yes. Myelopathy can affect both walking and balance. As spinal cord compression progresses, signals traveling between the brain and the legs become disrupted, which can lead to weakness, instability, changes in gait, and difficulty maintaining balance.
Many patients describe feeling less steady on their feet or losing confidence while walking, especially on uneven surfaces.
Can myelopathy be reversed without surgery?
Usually, no. Physical therapy, bracing, and medication may help manage certain symptoms, but they do not relieve pressure on the spinal cord. When spinal cord compression is present, surgery is often the only treatment that addresses the underlying problem.
Can myelopathy cause permanent disability?
Yes. Myelopathy can cause permanent disability if spinal cord compression remains untreated for too long. Surgery aims to preserve neurologic function, but it cannot always restore function that has already been lost.
One of the challenges with cervical myelopathy is that symptoms often worsen gradually. If treatment is delayed and weakness, numbness, balance problems, or coordination changes continue progressing, those deficits may become permanent. For many patients, their neurologic function at the time of surgery becomes their new baseline.
Can physical therapy help Myelopathy?
Yes. Physical therapy is often an important part of the treatment plan, particularly for patients with mild symptoms. Therapy may help improve strength, balance, mobility, and overall function.
However, physical therapy does not relieve pressure on the spinal cord. If symptoms persist, continue progressing, or fail to improve despite therapy, surgery may need to be considered to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
Does myelopathy always require surgery?
Generally, yes. Surgery is often the primary treatment when myelopathy causes neurologic symptoms because spinal cord compression can continue progressing over time.
However, treatment decisions depend on the individual patient. Some patients with very mild symptoms may be monitored initially, while others may not be candidates for surgery because of other medical conditions. For most patients with symptomatic myelopathy, surgery offers the best opportunity to preserve neurologic function and quality of life.
How is Myelopathy different from a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve usually affects a specific arm or leg. Myelopathy affects the spinal cord itself, which means symptoms can develop in multiple areas of the body at the same time. Myelopathy is also more likely to affect balance, walking, coordination, and hand function.
How urgent is treatment if symptoms are mild?
Treatment is not always urgent when symptoms are mild, but myelopathy should never be ignored. The condition can progress over time, so regular monitoring is important. If symptoms worsen or new neurologic changes develop, surgery may need to be considered.
What does myelopathy feel like in the hands?
Many patients say their hands “just don’t feel right.” Common complaints include dropping objects, difficulty buttoning clothing, trouble using utensils, worsening handwriting, and difficulty tying shoelaces.
People who regularly use tools often notice reduced dexterity and find it harder to manipulate small objects. These changes usually develop gradually and may become more noticeable as spinal cord compression progresses.
What’s the difference between cervical and thoracic myelopathy?
Although both conditions involve spinal cord compression, cervical myelopathy is far more common and often affects both hand function and walking ability. On the other hand, thoracic myelopathy is less common and may be more difficult to recognize because its symptoms often resemble other conditions that affect the legs, balance, or lower body.
What’s the recovery timeline after decompression?
Recovery is not the same for everyone. Many patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery return home the same day and can walk shortly afterward. Improvements may continue for several months, particularly when symptoms were present for a long time before surgery.What’s the recovery timeline after decompression?
Will I regain full function after Myelopathy surgery?
Not always. The primary goal of surgery is to preserve neurologic function by relieving pressure on the spinal cord. Some patients experience meaningful improvements in strength, balance, coordination, or sensation, while others may continue to have residual symptoms.
Locations throughout New Jersey
Dover, NJ
50 Nelson St.
Dover NJ 07801
Clifton, NJ
735 Clifton Avenue
Clifton NJ 07013
Hamilton, NJ
311 Whitehorse Ave.,
Hamilton Township, NJ
08610
Little Silver, NJ
200 White Road,
Little Silver, NJ 07739
Suite 111
East Brunswick, NJ
180 Tices Lane
East Brunswick NJ 08816
Suite 106
West Orange, NJ
414 Eagle Rock Ave,
West Orange, NJ 07052
Suite 304
Real reviews from our past patients
“Dr. J was attentive, listened to me and showed that he truly cared about my problems. He explained in details and offered me expert opinions. I love that he treats patients as individual and truly listens.”
Bernice
“After being unhappy with my spine surgeon, I found Dr. J. He explained exactly what was wrong with me, made a game plan, and had his team help out in scheduling. Once he found where the problem was, he got me scheduled, did excellent work, and I was home in a couple days. The scar is WAY SMALLER than my original surgery, which wasn’t even as big! He really is a minimally invasive expert and my recovery was way faster!”
Eddie
“I’ve had 5 different operations on my back in the last decade. Dr. J did number 6. His scar was the smallest, least amount of pain, and for the first time after any surgery I went home the same day. Maybe I’m just getting used to surgery lol!”
Steve W.
“No doubt in my mind Dr. Jeyamohan saved my life.”
Steven C.
“Thank You from the bottom of my heart for getting my active lifestyle back- I’m so happy with the outcome- thank u for being honest about the pain I would experience in the first month of recovery- your bedside manner in the hospital was excellent – your PA Andrea was amazing as well- I would recommend Evergreen Health to everyone and my team of docs was super- Thank U Dr J, Dr Nora, and Dr Ting!! Feels amazing to be standing tall with great posture everyday I’m getting stronger”
Michelle G.
“Kind and thorough. Top quality and felt safe throughout.”
Verified Patient
“Took the time to explain my pictures and what was wrong with me, and gave me many different options. Answered every single one of my questions and even a few over the phone. Went home the same day and on my way to a full recovery! Office is clean, bright, and everyone was super friendly and helpful! Andrea his assistant has been a treasure!”
Verified Patient
“Incredibly thorough, took his time to explain and answer all my questions. Gave me plenty of options. I probably visited with him three or four times before committing to surgery, never once did he rush me. Saw me every day in the hospital, walked with me. I’m so thankful I had the surgery with him. I saw two other spine surgeons who didn’t even want to take on such a complicated operation but Dr. J did incredible work and I’m back to walking on my own! I don’t even need a cane anymore”
Verified Patient
“First, the office was not good. Getting an appointment, scheduling, paperwork, was a nightmare. But once I got in to see Dr. J, it was smooth sailing! He got me the tests I needed, talked to me about treatment options, and helped me set up an injection. We talked about different surgeries, got me scheduled, did great work, and made sure I had follow-up appointments. I’m back to the farm ahead of schedule and back to work. If only I could have got in to see him sooner.”
Verified Patient
“I have to be honest here and own up. I saw three different spine surgeons and was worried “Dr. Jey” as everyone calls him was too young. I went with someone else who fused three levels in my back. I did horribly with lots of complications. After getting over all my issues, I swallowed my pride and went back to Dr. Jey. He never made me feel bad and graciously took a look at everything, ordered more tests, and showed me what was going on. Bad news, he says he couldn’t undo the fusion. Worse news, it’s now an even bigger operation to fix, and he was honest and said the best we can do is try to get me…”
Verified Patient
“My experience was excellent. Dr J is very knowledgeable explained everything in a simplified way that made me very comfortable. His staff went above and beyond answer any question I had No matter what the question was. I can’t thank Dr J and his staff enough For helping me get through this spine Injury.”
Jim D.
“I am a 45 year old male who led an active lifestyle when a back injury changed my life. I went from working and being active with my 4 children to suddenly I couldn’t make any movement without excruciating pain. The type of pain I can’t even explain in words. I went to see Dr. Jeyamohan on the referral of my sister who is a physician as well. When I walked into the office the team had already looked at my MRI and explained to me in honest terms that we had an emergency situation on our hands and that delaying surgery was simply not an option. Dr. Jeyamohan Made calls and got me scheduled for emergency back surgery right…”
Eric F.