Is cervical stenosis with myelopathy a disability?

Spinal stenosis is considered a disability by the SSA and in order to qualify you need to meet the medical requirements outlined by the SSA in their list of disabling conditions which is called the Blue Book.

Is spinal stenosis the same as myelopathy?

Cervical spinal stenosis, also called cervical stenosis, occurs when the neck’s protective spinal canal narrows due to degenerative changes or trauma. If the space within the spinal canal is reduced too much, neurologic deficits can result from spinal cord compression, a condition called myelopathy.

What is the most common cause of cervical myelopathy?

The most common cause of myelopathy is when the spinal cord is compressed, or squeezed. This compression disrupts normal nerve transmission. Arthritis of the spine, or spondylosis is the most common reason the spinal cord is compressed. Spondylosis refers to degenerative, or age-related, changes in the spine.

How serious is cervical myelopathy?

Cervical myelopathy is a serious condition affecting the cervical spine, and if left untreated it can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death. In most cases, this is an urgent surgical condition. Myelopathy describes any neurologic symptoms related to dysfunction of the spinal cord.

How rare is congenital cervical spinal stenosis?

A total of 250,000–500,000 individuals in the US have symptoms of spinal stenosis, 20−25 % of which occur in cervical spine. The prevalence is expected to increase over the next decade to 18 million as the US population ages [2].

Is congenital cervical spinal stenosis hereditary?

When people under the age of 50 have spinal stenosis, it is usually due to a genetic predisposition called congenital spinal stenosis, which means they are born with a small spinal canal. This can put pressure on areas of the spine. It’s much more common for spinal stenosis to develop in those over 50.

What is congenital cervical spinal stenosis?

Congenital cervical stenosis (CCS) occurs when the bony anatomy of the cervical canal is smaller than expected in the general population. Stenosis at the cervical level is related to a wide array of clinical symptoms ranging from asymptomatic or mild neck pain to severe cervical myelopathy causing paralysis.

How serious is cervical spinal stenosis?

Cervical spinal stenosis can potentially cause serious problems with the nervous system, including problems with bowel or bladder control (incontinence) and permanent loss of strength and feeling in the arms, hands, legs, and chest.

What are the signs of cervical myelopathy?

Other cervical myelopathy symptoms may include: Weakness in the arms and hands. Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands. Clumsiness and poor coordination of the hands….Symptoms of Cervical Myelopathy

Neck pain.
Stiffness.
Reduced range of motion.

What happens if cervical myelopathy goes untreated?

If untreated, this can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death. Symptoms may affect your gait and balance, dexterity, grip strength and bowel or bladder function. It can cause pain, weakness, or sensory changes in either your arms or legs.

What activities should be avoided with cervical spinal stenosis?

3 Spinal Stenosis Exercises To Avoid

Avoid stretching in a standing position and extension stretches.
Instead, try stretching while laying down.
Avoid doing free weights.
Instead, try using a weight machine.
Avoid running and similar high-impact exercises.
Instead, try swimming, cycling, or an elliptical machine.

Does cervical myelopathy go away?

Can it be cured? Although there are several very good nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available to relieve the symptoms of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy, there is no cure, per se, for the degenerative changes in the cervical spine that caused the symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis?

myelopathy,

numbness,

tingling,

weakness or cramping in the arms and hands.

Is surgery necessary for cervical and lumbar stenosis?

Most patients with cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis respond well to non-surgical treatments (such as medication), so you may not need spine surgery . However, there are situations when you may want to go ahead with spine surgery.

Can cervical spinal stenosis be cured?

There is no cure for spinal stenosis, but there are treatments to help relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can ease swelling and pain.

What is the recovery time after spinal stenosis surgery?

These restrictions will be in place for up to three months after surgery. On the whole, it will take about 3-6 months for an individual to completely recover from a spinal stenosis surgery and be able to perform all the activities of daily living without pain or discomfort from spinal stenosis.

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Is cervical stenosis with myelopathy a disability?