Indiana Spine Group
317-428-5040
Contact

Cervical Conditions in Carmel, IN Cervical Myelopathy

Introduction to Cervical Myelopathy

Spinal Cord Compression Affecting Strength and Function

Over time, aging patients may notice changes in fine motor skills, balance, grip strength, and similar areas. Due to natural wear and tear from aging, bone spurs, herniated discs, or thickened ligaments, you may be developing or already have cervical myelopathy.

This condition compresses the spinal cord in the neck and disrupts signals between the brain and body, leading to symptoms such as hand clumsiness, balance issues, and numbness. At Indiana Spine Group, Dr. Peter Swiatek performs a variety of advanced surgeries on patients with cervical myelopathy throughout Indiana at our Indiana Spine Group facilities and affiliated hospitals in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana.

Learn more about the condition and how to treat it below.

Cervical-Myelopathy-intro-1

What is Cervical Myelopathy?

Cervical myelopathy is a medical condition where the spinal cord in your neck gets squeezed or compressed. This can disrupt messages from the brain, resulting in clumsiness, difficulty balancing, or weakness in the arms and legs.

Cervical myelopathy is generally caused by normal wear and tear on the spine as you age, such as bulging discs or bone spurs. Thankfully, cervical myelopathy can be treated with a variety of procedures, both non-surgical and surgical, which Dr. Swiatek determines during your consultation based on factors like which treatments you have already tried and the severity of your condition.

Cervical Myelopathy Treatments We Offer

Cervical myelopathy can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the location and number of compression levels, spinal alignment, overall neck stability, and the patient’s overall health. When you meet with Dr. Swiatek at our Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, Indiana, office for your consultation, he will evaluate your condition and determine the best option for you.

ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) removes a damaged disc from the front of the neck to relieve pressure and fuses the bones together by placing either a bone graft, spacer, or implant in the empty space. The filled space is screwed together to hold the bones steady until they grow together.

It stops the spinal cord damage from getting worse and helps improve coordination.

What Are Some of the Signs of Cervical Myelopathy

Signs of cervical myelopathy can show up at various times, but it primarily affects the aging population due to wear and tear on the spine. However, cervical myelopathy can happen to anyone if they experience a physical injury, disease, or congenital disability that puts pressure on the spinal cord in the neck.

Some signs that you may have cervical myelopathy include:

  • Loss of fine motor skills, including using zippers, putting on jewelry, or typing
  • Dropping everyday objects
  • Numbness or tingling in the fingers and hands
  • Weak or heavy arms
  • Unsteadiness while standing or walking
  • A wide-based or clumsy walking pattern
  • Stiff, heavy, or slow-responding legs
  • Persistent neck ache or stiffness
Woman working on laptop in modern bright office waiting room with white furniture and large windows - in Carmel, IN

How to Begin Your Cervical Myelopathy Treatment Journey

Before cervical myelopathy surgery, you will visit one of our offices in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, Indiana, where you will meet with Dr. Swiatek for a private consultation. This critical first step helps Dr. Swiatek carefully plan your surgery based on his analysis of your condition.

You can expect a supportive appointment with the following: 

  1. Check for symptoms: Dr. Swiatek will ask about your experience with hand clumsiness, dropping items, changes in balance, or difficulty walking
  2. Evaluate a timeline: Determine how long you have been experiencing symptoms
  3. Various tests: Dr. Swiatek will assess your reflexes using various reflex tests
  4. Imaging reviews: Look closely at the degree of spinal canal narrowing and spinal cord compression from the results of MRI, X-ray, or CT scans
  5. Treatment options: Dr. Swiatek will explain each treatment option in detail based on his findings
  6. Treatment planning: You and Dr. Swiatek will work together to develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and anatomy, beginning with non-surgical approaches and shifting to surgical approaches if necessary

What to Expect During Your Cervical Myelopathy Surgery

On the day of your cervical myelopathy surgery, you’ll arrive at our hospital in Carmel, IN or one of our partner hospitals throughout the Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, Indiana, areas. We will have already discussed a detailed postoperative plan at your preoperative appointment to ensure the day runs smoothly.

Cervical myelopathy surgery is always tailored to the patient’s unique condition and spinal anatomy, so no two procedures are exactly the same. In general, you can expect:

  • To be under general anesthesia for the entire procedure, ensuring you don’t feel any pain
  • An incision in the front or back of your neck, depending on the technique
  • Possible removal of one or more discs causing the discomfort
  • Implants such as screws, rods, spacers, plates, and/or bone graft to stabilize the vertebrae
  • To wake up in a room a couple of hours later, where we will check your vital signs
  • Depending upon medical history and the type of surgery, some patients may remain overnight in the hospital for observation.
Dr Peter Swiatek wearing surgical loupes with LED headlight for precision medical procedures - in Carmel, IN

Steps to Consider For Optimal Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Cervical Myelopathy Care

During your recovery, you are expected to take care of yourself to avoid unnecessary complications and see optimal results. During your consultation, you will review all recovery steps in detail so you are prepared as soon as you leave our Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, Indiana, office.

You may always let us know if you have any questions or concerns about the recovery steps, including:

  • Do not lift anything over 15 pounds, such as groceries or laundry, for 6-12 weeks as directed by Dr. Swiatek
  • Use the prescribed hard cervical collar if instructed to do so by Dr. Swiatek
  • Avoid excessive bending, twisting, or jerking your neck and head
  • Go on short walks daily to boost blood flow and prevent blood clots
  • Go to your scheduled physical therapy appointments, if directed by Dr. Swiatek, to improve range of motion, spinal balance, and muscle strength.
  • Use prescribed pain medications as directed to alleviate any pain or discomfort.

How Much Does Cervical Myelopathy Surgery Cost in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, IN?

The cost of a cervical myelopathy treatment in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, ranges from patient to patient. Costs typically vary by the extent of surgery and your insurance plan. Our billing department is available to answer any questions regarding the cost of surgery.

Philosophy

Why Choose Dr. Swiatek?

Dr. Peter Swiatek is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon passionate about improving the lives of patients experiencing various spine-related symptoms. Dr. Swiatek uses his Harvard and Michigan Medical School education and his Northwestern and Rothman orthopedic spine training to treat cervical myelopathy in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana. His personalized approach ensures that you receive care that optimizes your results based on your unique needs and anatomy.

He has received over $20,000 in grant funding for his research and actively mentors medical students, residents, and fellows in their research efforts. Dr. Swiatek is also affiliated with some of the world’s most renowned medical organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), and the North American Spine Society (NASS).

Teal geometric patterned wallpaper with circular and linear embossed texture in modern minimalist style

Case Studies

He also specializes in repairing failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. Dr. Swiatek tailors his treatment plans to the needs of each of his patients, with a focus on non-operative management whenever possible. When surgery is necessary.

View Case Studies

Patient Reviews

Trusted by thousands of patients nationwide

“From my first consultation, I felt listened to and never rushed. The doctor clearly explained my options

Patient Stories
Joyful woman with curly hair in orange jacket reaching toward sky against blue background - in Carmel, IN
Geometric floral pattern wallpaper with blue radiating sunburst medallions on white background

Related Content

Start Your Care Today!

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Contact