![]() ![]() ![]() Patients with mild impairment can be monitored, and many can see improvement with nonoperative measures like physiotherapy. The standard diagnostic tools to confirm whether someone has DCM is an MRI, along with a comprehensive examination. “Also, it’s important to avoid contact sports, roller coasters or horseback riding – anything that could result in sudden or extreme movements of your neck.” DCM treatment options “If you have DCM, you want to take yourself out of any environment that would put increased strain on your neck,” says Jamie Wilson, MD, FRCS, Nebraska Medicine neurosurgeon and DCM researcher. ![]() Avoiding occupational hazards that can lead to overuse or neck injuries.However, most people can take steps to reduce their risk later in life. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament – OPLL occurs when the ligament that connects and stabilizes the bones of the spinal column becomes thicker and less flexible, often due to hereditary or genetic factorsįor some people, the onset of DCM is unavoidable.Musculoskeletal conditions – Diseases that can affect bone metabolism and development, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, can accelerate changes in the neck that lead to DCM.Injury or repeated trauma – Some individuals, such as elite athletes, can develop early onset arthritis in the cervical spine due to overuse or excessive forces.Tobacco smoking – Smoking significantly increases your risk of arthritis anywhere in the spine.Gender – Males are three times more likely to develop DCM than women.Age – DCM is commonly diagnosed in patients over the age of 50, and it can be especially prevalent in those over age 70.The following factors may increase your risk of developing DCM: Early diagnosis and treatment can help you avoid permanent damage and loss of function. If there is any doubt, a prompt evaluation by a qualified spine specialist is recommended, especially for adults over the age of 50. Radicular arm pain, or pain that radiates down the arm.Īs the disease progresses, it can also lead to issues with bladder function.ĭCM is often mistaken for other conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome, which are also very common.Problems with walking and balance, especially on uneven ground.Dexterity issues or difficulty with fine motor skills, such as trouble buttoning a shirt, writing or sewing.Numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers.Read on to learn how to detect the early signs of DCM and explore possible treatment options. Once diagnosed, the recommended treatment is typically surgery, and early intervention is key to promoting recovery and maintaining quality of life. If left untreated, the natural history of the disease is increasing loss of dexterity and function in the hands, worsening balance and bladder function, and eventually quadriparesis. The condition arises from gradual, progressive compression of the spinal cord in the neck due to disc disease, unstable bone movement or ligament growth within the spinal canal. Some conditions produce numbness and tingling as symptoms.Degenerative cervical myelopathy is the leading cause of spinal cord impairment in adults, affecting nearly 1 in 10 individuals at some point in their lives. inflammation or swelling of the spinal cord or brainĭamage to the skin via a rash, inflammation, or an injury is another reason for numbness and tingling.Ĭonditions that can cause this type of skin damage include frostbite and shingles.ligaments, tendons, and surrounding soft tissues.The following can place pressure on one or more nerves: Placing pressure on a nerve is another common cause of numbness and tingling. Sometimes, a specific injury can produce numbness and tingling, such as an injured nerve in your neck or a herniated disc in your spine. atypically low levels of vitamin B12, potassium, calcium, or sodium.mercury and other toxins found in seafood.Possible causes of numbness and tingling are numerous, and they include: Once you move, the numbness will get better. The examples above place pressure on your nerves. standing or sitting in one position for a long time.Things that we do every day can sometimes cause numbness, including: What are the causes of numbness and tingling? ![]()
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