Cervical Myelomalacia

Spinal stenosis and Cerivical Myelomalacia are both conditions resulting from damage to the spinal cord or nerves. They are now believed to be related to each other in that spinal stenosis can lead up to Myelomalacia. However, to understand how these two conditions are related, it is important to understand what causes Myelomalacia.

Myelomalacia can be simply defined as the softening of the spinal cord. Cerivical Myelomalacia usually develops as a result of hemorrhaging in the spinal cord or inadequate supply of blood to the spinal cord. In either case, the spinal cord is made weak and thus easily susceptible to damage. Damage to the spine as a result of an injury is the most common cause of the condition.

Spinal stenosis is a condition that involves the narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing exerts pressure on the spinal cord which may result in damage to the spinal cord. This damage may result in the softening of the spinal cord otherwise known as Cervical Myelomalacia.

Spinal stenosis may also result in Myelomalacia by restricting
the blood supply to the spinal cord, as the spinal stenosis progresses
the space within the spinal canal narrows.

The blood vessels that supply the spinal cord occur within the spinal canal. A reduction in the space within the spinal canal means that the blood vessels will either be constricted as a result of the increased pressure upon them. Cervical Myelomalacia may develop as a result of the insufficient supply of blood to the spinal cord.

Spinal stenosis may also cause bleeding in the spinal cord that will eventually result in Cervical Myelomalacia. As spinal stenosis progresses and the spinal canal narrows, the blood vessels supplying the spinal cord may be damaged due to the increased pressure upon them.

Having established a connection between Spinal Stenosis and Cerivical Myelomalacia, it is evident that proper management of spinal stenosis once diagnosed is crucial. Prescriptions must be adhered to with discipline and physical therapy regimes followed strictly. This will help to prevent complications of spinal stenosis such as Cervical Myelomalacia. However, the best option to take is to prevent the development of spinal stenosis in the first place. 

Cerivical Myelomalacia
Detailed information regarding Cervical Myelomalacia.
Article published February 4 ^th, 2011
Back to Info Center: Spinal Stenosis