Differences between myelopathy

and radiculopathy
Categorized under Disease,Health,Science | Differences between
myelopathy and radiculopathy

Introduction
The spinal cord is a tubular structure, comprising of a bundle of
nerves, extending from the base of the brain till the 2nd lumbar
vertebrae. It consists of various segments from which spinal nerves
exit. The length of the cord is 18 inches in males and approx 17
inches in females. There are 31 nerve segments in the cord, these
are divided as 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral and 1
coccygeal. Injury to the spinal cord and its nerves, depending upon
the severity, can produce symptoms ranging from pain to complete
paralysis.

Definition
Myelopathy is a condition afflicting the spinal cord. When it is the
result of trauma to the spinal cord, it is known as spinal cord injury.
Myelitis or myelopathy is the inflammation of spinal cord itself.
Radiculopathy is a condition characterized by involvement of a
single or group of nerves. It is caused by a compression or irritation
of the nerve root as it exits and emerges from the spinal cord.
Causes
The commonest cause of myelopathy is compression of spinal cord
by a herniated disk (commonly called as slipped disk). Other causes
include, trauma, compression from inside or due to external
pressure, both due to tumours, cysts. Lesser causative factors
include degenerative spine diseases, diseases causing infection and
inflammation of the spinal cord. Radiculopathy is caused due to
pinching of nerve. This happens as the surrounding muscles, bones
and tissues suffer injury or change position. This results in
compression of the nerve root causing symptoms.
Nerve compression can be the result of a herniated disc, trauma,
stress, incorrect posture. Commonest cause for radiculopathy is
seen in cervical spine, causing neck pain and associated hand
tingling. Also, commonly seen is lower back pain, with pain
radiating down the leg due to sciatic nerve impingement.
Clinical Signs
Myelopathy
Signs depend upon the level and extent of the cord involved.
However, the common symptoms that develop in myelopathies are

Weakness, clumsiness and altered tone of the muscle. Bladder and

bowel irregularities, sexual dysfunction might occur if the cord is
affected in the lower half. Sensory changes causing either decreased
sensory perception or increased sensations might be noticed by
patients.
In radiculopathy, depending upon the location of nerve involved
symptoms can be neck pain and hand tingling, backache with pain
radiating to the leg. The pain sometimes increases on coughing,
sneezing or lifting heavy weights. Numbness of skin in the leg or
foot and a loss of reflexes might be experienced as well.
Diagnosis
MRI is the mainstay for diagnosing myelopathy. Clinically, the
diagnosis is done by locating the segment of cord involved
depending upon the signs and symptoms. X-ray is the first
investigation done to diagnose a radiculopathy, followed by MRI or
CT scan if necessary.
Treatment
Myelopathy is fairly difficult to treat and complete treatment rarely
happens. If trauma is the cause, posture stabilisation is the first
step. If tumour or cysts are the causative factors, surgical removal
must be done to provide relief.
However in radiculopathy, symptom relief is much easier to obtain.
This can be achieved with the help of painkillers, anti inflammatory
drugs, exercises, correction of posture, yoga and relaxation
techniques. Symptoms often improve within 6 weeks.
Summary

Myelopathy is the affection of spinal cord due to various causes,

while radiculopathy is the involvement of a nerve root, either single
or multiple. Symptomatic treatment of radiculopathy is much easier
as against myeoplathy which is difficult to treat completely.

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