Have you or a loved one ever suffered from cervical myelopathy? Ever wonder how it might
influence your body, including how it might affect your balance? In this blog post, we’ll talk about
how cervical myelopathy affects balance and the possible treatment options for those who suffer
from this condition.
Under the care of Dr. Asghar, a well-known spinal surgeon, we can now learn more about this
complex condition and find the best ways to treat and manage it, which will lead to a better
quality of life. Let’s get right into it…
The Basics: Understanding Cervical Myelopathy
Before examining how this condition affects balance, let’s first build the framework and become
familiar with its basics. To put it simply, cervical myelopathy, a degenerative condition, is caused
by compression of the spinal cord in the cervical (neck) region. This compression can be
caused by a number of things, such as changes in the spine that happen over time, bulging
discs, spinal stenosis, or injuries that happen suddenly.
As pressure builds up on the spinal cord, it can cause a number of different symptoms and
make it hard for the body to work properly. Numerous symptoms, including neck pain, tingling
and numbness, as well as arm and leg muscular weakness, can result from this compression.
Additionally, because of the cumulative effects of this condition’s symptoms, cervical
myelopathy might compromise balance as well.
Can Cervical Myelopathy Greatly Impact a Person’s Balance?
Cervical myelopathy can have severe and permanently changing effects on balance. People
who are afflicted frequently struggle with coordination, feel lightheaded, and unsteady when
standing or walking.
For that reason, Dr. Asghar emphasizes the significance of early identification because cervical
myelopathy left untreated can result in subsequent consequences such muscle weakness,
sensory loss, and in severe cases, paralysis.
The risk of falling is also one of the major issues with cervical myelopathy. Balance problems
make unintentional accidents more likely, which can cause fractures or other injuries.
Furthermore, a person’s general quality of life may suffer as a result of social isolation and
decreased physical activity brought on by a fear of falling.
Should You Get Treatment Once Symptoms Arise from Cervical Myelopathy?
It’s important to get help right away if you or someone you know is showing signs of this
condition. If you have persistent neck pain, weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, or
trouble walking, you should see a doctor right away.
Cervical myelopathy can come on slowly, and the first signs of it could be mistaken for signs of
aging or other health problems. Getting the word out about these telltale signs is important to
encourage early discovery and stop more damage from occurring. If you think you might have
cervical myelopathy, don’t be afraid to talk to a doctor. Getting help early can make a big
difference in how well this condition is managed.
What are the Possible Treatment Options for Cervical Myelopathy?
There is no one-size-fits-all method to treating cervical myelopathy. The management strategy
is typically based on the condition’s severity, the patient’s general health, and their particular
requirements.
Physical therapy is frequently a crucial element of care for this type of condition. Tai chi,
balancing boards, and proprioceptive training are a few examples of the exercises that can be
used to retrain the body’s sense of balance and spatial awareness.
Surgery may also be required to address the problem and decompress the spinal cord if
nonsurgical therapies are unable to relieve the symptoms. Experienced spine surgeons such as
Dr. Asghar can help patients by utilizing surgical methods to reduce symptoms or completely
eliminate the condition’s effects. You can rest assured that surgery, if necessary, attempts to
improve patients’ overall wellbeing and offer effective relief.
How to Manage Balance Issues When Experiencing Cervical Myelopathy
Balance issues can be difficult for people with cervical myelopathy to manage, but they are not
insurmountable. Under the supervision of an expert such as Dr. Asghar, patients can introduce
balancing exercises and treatments into regular daily routines that can help with managing their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, the use of mobility aids like canes or
walkers can also offer much-needed support and improve safety.
That said, patients must take the initiative to manage their conditions. Regular exercise, as
advised by medical professionals, maintaining physical function overall, as well as muscle
strength and flexibility are equally as important. Additionally, Dr. Asghar emphasizes the value
of keeping lines of communication open with the medical staff in order to address any new or
deteriorating symptoms as soon as possible.
Can Rehabilitation Help with Balance Issues Caused by This Condition?
The quality of life for those with cervical myelopathy is significantly enhanced by rehabilitation. A
thorough rehabilitation program that is specifically designed to address a person’s functional
limits and mobility issues can greatly improve their quality of life as well as manage any ongoing
symptoms. Rehabilitation has the ability to retrain the body’s sense of balance, which may entail
proprioceptive training, strength training, and gait training.
In addition to attending these sessions, talking to a medical professional can be helpful because
they can complement the therapy with extra medical treatments or procedures, greatly lowering
the symptoms and improving their overall quality of life even more.
Learn More About Possible Cervical Myelopathy Treatment Options with Dr. Asghar in Florida
Everyone benefits from leading a healthy lifestyle, but people who have cervical myelopathy
should pay particular attention to their symptoms and address them right away. If you’re
suffering from this condition it’s often advised to follow a balanced diet, doing regular and safe
exercise, and staying away from activities that place undue strain on the neck and spine.
If you or someone you know is struggling from cervical myelopathy, it is imperative to look into
the various potential treatment options that are currently available. To learn more about this
condition or to find possible treatment options that meet your needs, contact Dr. Asghar by
giving our clinic a call or by filling out a contact form with your information!