Myelopathy Treatment in St. Louis

Balance Issues Aren’t Always Just Age; Your Spine Could Be the Reason.

When simple tasks no longer feel easier, it’s time to listen to your spine. Your body is telling you something! Our advanced myelopathy care can help you find answers and move with confidence once more.

What is Myelopathy?

Myelopathy happens when your spinal cord gets pinched or compressed, often from changes in the spine. It can affect your neck (cervical), mid-back (thoracic), or lower back (lumbar).

Even subtle signs, like tingling, weakness, or trouble with balance, can be your body signaling that something isn’t quite right. Paying attention early can help you stay strong, active, and moving comfortably.

What Could Be Causing Your Myelopathy

Cervical spondylosis (degenerative changes)

Herniated discs

Spinal stenosis

Trauma or injury

Tumors or infections

Common Symptoms of Myelopathy

Noticing these signs in your daily life? It may be time to consult a myelopathy specialist in St.Louis to understand what’s happening and start protecting your spine.

Neck or back pain
Numbness or tingling in arms/legs
Difficulty with coordination, walking, or balance
Muscle weakness
Loss of fine motor skills (e.g., buttoning a shirt)
Bowel/bladder dysfunction (severe cases)

How We Diagnose Myelopathy

We use a combination of exams and advanced tests to understand what’s happening in your spine and nerves, so you can get the right care early.

Physical & Neurological Exam

Check your strength, reflexes, and sensation to see how your spinal cord and nerves are functioning.

Imaging: MRI, CT, X-rays

Show detailed pictures of your spine to pinpoint compression or structural changes.

EMG / Nerve Studies

Measure how well your nerves and muscles are communicating if there’s tingling or weakness.

Our Approach to Myelopathy Care

We believe the best treatment begins with the gentlest approach.

Non-Surgical Care

For most patients, we consider surgery as a last step. We focus on easing pain and improving function through carefully designed conservative treatments to help you get moving again.

Medications for Pain/Inflammation

Relieves pain and reduces swelling.

Physical Therapy & Strengthening

Guided exercises to strengthen and restore motion.

Activity Modification

Simple changes to protect your neck and stay comfortable.

Cervical Collar (Short-Term Use)

Gentle support to ease pressure and aid healing.

Surgical Options

If non-surgical options aren’t providing enough relief, we recommend surgery to ease pressure on your spinal cord and improve function. We focus on minimally invasive methods to make recovery smoother and help you return to your daily routine more quickly.

Decompression Surgery (Laminectomy, Laminoplasty)

This procedure gently eases pressure on your spine to relieve pain.

Fusion Procedures

Connects vertebrae to stabilize your spine and support movement.

Artificial Disc Replacement

Gently replaces a damaged disc to restore natural motion.

Early Care, Better Life

Your future mobility depends on what you do today. Ignoring early signs, such as numbness or stiffness, can lead to permanent damage. Acting now with advanced care for spinal cord compression in St. Louis can help you stay active for years to come.

Prevent Long-Term Damage

Prompt treatment can protect your nerves and spinal cord from permanent injury.

Enhance Recovery:

Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and better recovery outcomes.

Preserve Function

Timely care can help maintain your normal mobility and daily activities.

What Makes Our Myelopathy Care Different

We understand, it’s more than just tingling or weakness. That numbness in your hands, trouble walking, or constant discomfort? We see it, and we know how it affects your day-to-day life.

Experienced Spine Specialists

You’ll be cared for by doctors who bring skill, precision, and compassion to every case.

Modern, Less-Invasive Options

We rely on advanced tools and gentle techniques to ease symptoms and speed recovery.

Personalized treatment plans

We don’t just look at scans. We listen to your symptoms and routines, and offer support to help you make choices that fit your needs.

Local Care You Can Trust

When it comes to spine health, patients in St.Louis choose us because we make every step clear and every choice easier. 

Your Next Chapter: Recovery at STL Spine Care

What to Expect After Treatment

Recovery looks different for everyone. Some notice relief in days with non-surgical care, others take a few weeks after surgery. Either way, we’re with you through each step.

Ongoing Support & Therapy

Through follow-ups and guided exercises, we help you rebuild strength, flexibility, and confidence in your lower back.

Getting Back to Life

Returning to work, hobbies, or everyday movement safely is our goal. We help you regain freedom, at a pace that feels natural.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between myelopathy and radiculopathy?

Myelopathy is pressure on the spinal cord itself, while radiculopathy happens when a single nerve root gets pinched, often causing pain or tingling down an arm or leg.

Can myelopathy get better without treatment?

Mild cases might be managed for a while, but it usually doesn’t heal on its own. Early care is the best way to protect your spinal cord.

Do all cases of myelopathy require surgery?

Not at all. Many people start with non-surgical care, and surgery is only recommended if symptoms keep getting worse.

How do I know if my myelopathy is getting worse?

If you notice more weakness, clumsiness with your hands, or balance troubles, it may be a sign your condition is progressing.

What are the early warning signs of myelopathy?

It often begins subtly, like tingling in your hands, stiffness in your legs, or feeling unsteady when you walk.