How is cervical myelopathy done?
The surgery can be done from the back or the front of the neck. If surgery is done from the front, small pieces of bone or small plates and screws will be used to hold the spine in place after the tissue is removed. This is called fusion. If surgery is done from the back, a fusion may or may not be done at the same time.
Your doctor makes a cut (incision) in the skin over the spine where the pressure on the spinal cord is. He or she puts special surgical tools through the incision. Your doctor removes any tissues that are putting pressure on the spinal cord. The doctor then closes the incision with stitches. You will have a small scar on your neck or back. It will fade with time.
After surgery for cervical myelopathy: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
- You are unable to move an arm or a leg at all.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have a headache that does not get better after you take medicine for it.
- You have new or worse symptoms in your arms, legs, chest, belly, or buttocks. Symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling.
- Weakness.
- Pain.
- You lose bladder or bowel control.
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- You have blood or fluid draining from the incision.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You are not getting better as expected.
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