Paralysis prevention through new spinal arthritis treatment

Decompression surgery is an effective procedure for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). CSM is a common progressive degenerative disease of the spine which may later result to paralysis. A new trial, which is first of its kind, shows that decompression surgery significantly improves the symptoms as well as lifestyle of CSM patients at no matter how severe the condition is. Patients with mild, moderate, or severe CSM show significant improvement after going through decompression surgery. Dr. Michael Fehlings, neurosurgeon and Medical Director of the Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, says that for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy decompression surgery is a viable treatment. CSM is very common above the age of 50 years in people of Asian and South Asian descent. In severe cases it impairs walking and eventually leads to paralysis. Currently, other than medication to relive pain there is no treatment available for this condition.