Myelopathy describes a severe compression to the spinal cord that may result from trauma, congenital stenosis, degenerative disease or disc herniation. This spinal condition is different from radiculopathy, which is a pinching of the nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord, and not the cord itself. Dr. Sina Rajamand provides minimally-invasive neurosurgical treatment of myelopathy at Battle Born Brain and Spine in Reno, Nevada.

Myelopathy can be caused by trauma to the spine, spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal), spinal infections, tumors, or certain neurological and congenital disorders. The condition is classified according to its location in the spine:

• Cervical Myelopathy – Occurs in the neck (cervical spine) and is the most common form.
• Thoracic Myelopathy – Occurs in the middle region of the spine (thoracic spine).
• Lumbar Myelopathy – Occurs in the lower region of the spine (lumbar spine) and is rare because the spinal cord actually ends in the top section of the region of the spine.

Symptoms can include neck, arm, leg or lower back pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, problems with fine motor skills, difficulty with walking, balance and coordination and possibly the loss of bowel or bladder control.

Minimally-Invasive Surgery for Spinal Trauma in Reno

Diagnostic efforts typically include x-rays, MRI scans of the spine and spinal canal, a myelography with contrast and an electromyogram to test how the nerve stimulation has been affected. From these tests, Dr. Rajamand can determine the exact area of the problem and recommend a surgical solution.

These usually include decompression surgery along with removing any items that are putting pressure on the spine, such as bone spurs or broken vertebrae pieces. Dr. Rajamand may also recommend a laminoplasty to increase the channel space in the spinal cord. Sometimes, spinal fusion is also necessary to add strength to the spine.

At Battle Born Brain and Spine in Reno, Dr. Rajamand uses minimally-invasive neurosurgical techniques that only require small incisions. This lowers your risk of infection and speeds recovery time. By using small tools guided by tiny cameras, Dr. Rajamand can perform intricate surgery with precision and limited risk of damage to adjacent tissues or structures. You can be up and moving around within a few days.

Contact Battle Born Brain and Spine today at our Reno office if you have been diagnosed with myelopathy and more conservative efforts fail to bring you relief. Dr. Rajamand can explain more about recommended surgical procedures in a consultation at our office.