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Causes of MYELOPATHY

The spinal cord is most frequently endangered by degenerative changes to the spine, such as spinal stenosis and disc protrusions or herniations. As we age, our spines lose water content and slowly reveal the consequences of years of everyday use and stress. Several age-related spine conditions can result in pressure being placed upon the spinal cord. In addition to the degeneration of the spine, some of the most commonly occurring causes of myelopathy are: Benign or cancerous tumors that compress the spinal cordBone spursA dislocation fractureA traumatic injury, as might occur during a motor vehicle accident, hard fall or high-impact sportAutoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosisGenetic predisposition or congenital abnormality Certain factors can increase your risk of developing myelopathy, including: SmokingAge (the elderly are especially likely to encounter myelopathy)The abuse of alcoholExcess weight or obesityParticipating in intense sports or physical activities, such as gymnastics or footballA lack of exerciseMaking repetitive, strenuous movements (often an issue at jobs requiring highly physical or manual labor)Improperly lifting heavy objects If you suspect you may be at risk for developing myelopathy, schedule a consultation with one of our spine experts to discuss the best ways to minimize your risk and maintain the highest level of spinal cord functioning possible. Your spinal cord is crucial to your health and well-being, so it is of the utmost importance to promptly take care of it when issues or injuries arise.

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