1. < Spine Health
Profile picture for lanieg

Myelomalacia: Let's connect

Posted by lanieg @lanieg, Feb 23, 2023

I recently had a MRI of my cervical spine and moderate to severe myelomalacia was discovered. I already have a C3 to C5 fusion. Symptoms include pain in arms, neck and shoulders, off balance, light headed, difficulty picking up small items. Has anyone else experienced this diagnosis? What has been done about it? Seeing a neurosurgeon soon but not excited about another neck surgery. However what I read about it says if left untreated could cause serious nerve issues. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

Profile picture for anonymous16
anonymous16 | @anonymous16 | Oct 29, 2025
In reply to @cyndigarrison "You don't mention the cause or severity. And treatment depends on the cause. Most causes are..." + (show)
Profile picture for cyndigarrison @cyndigarrison

You don't mention the cause or severity. And treatment depends on the cause. Most causes are from compression or trauma to the spinal column, so many of the treatments will involve surgical intervention. Like repair and stabilization of fractures, or decompression of the cord with laminectomies, etc. If it were me, my specialist would be a highly qualified neurosurgeon. Discuss with them the causes, severity, treatment options including options other than surgery if available. If a laminectomy is performed at more than one level sometimes fusion is necessary as well to stabilize the spinal column. With the spine, often times surgery is the only option. Good luck and God bless you.

Jump to this post

Thanks for your reply @cyndigarrison . I have been experiencing progressive myelopathy for the last 6-9 months, and a subsequent MRI showed thoracic herniation with cord compression. Doctor was thinking some of the issues could be coming from higher up.. sure enough C-spine MRI revealed multilevel malamalacia. There was no mention of severity, but given I haven't heard from my surgeon yet so I can ask him myself. I've had lumbar surgery x 4, including a fusion and revised fusion.

REPLY
Profile picture for scottd7
scottd7 | @scottd7 | Oct 30, 2025
In reply to @anonymous16 "I have myelomalacia through 2 levels in my cervical spine. Does this HAVE to be surgical,..." + (show)
Profile picture for anonymous16 @anonymous16

I have myelomalacia through 2 levels in my cervical spine. Does this HAVE to be surgical, as in decompression, and if so is a fusion normally also considered? Opinions?

Jump to this post

I was diagnosed myelomalaccia. Had issues walking. Had surgery to stabilize
3 discs replaced and spurs removed. Dr said never be 100% but for next 18 months i was probaly 75%. Not perfect but could walk no problem. At like 18 months legs got weaker and i have walked with a cane for 5 years. Feels like it is getting worse and have pain. Dr no explanation for why i got worse so fast. .
Good luck

REPLY
Profile picture for anonymous16
anonymous16 | @anonymous16 | Oct 30, 2025
In reply to @anonymous16 "I have myelomalacia through 2 levels in my cervical spine. Does this HAVE to be surgical,..." + (show)
Profile picture for anonymous16 @anonymous16

I have myelomalacia through 2 levels in my cervical spine. Does this HAVE to be surgical, as in decompression, and if so is a fusion normally also considered? Opinions?

Jump to this post

So sorry to hear that Scott. I am still waiting for followup with the surgeon so I am thinking it's not an emergency nor an urgent surgery. He'll likely set a surgery date next week, which will be relatively soon.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.