Surgical Treatment Options The goal of surgery for cervical
spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is to open the space for the spinal
cord. This involves removing the parts of bone or soft tissue
that are pressing on the cord. Your surgeon will consider many
options regarding treatment for cervical myelopathy, including
your overall health, and will discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of surgical interventions. People who have
progressive neurologic changes (such as weakness, numbness, or
falling) with signs of severe spinal cord compression or spinal
cord swelling are candidates for surgery. Patients with severe
or disabling pain may also be helped with surgery. People who
experience better surgical outcomes often have these
characteristics: - The symptom of an electrical sensation that
runs down the back and into the limbs - Younger age - Shorter
duration of symptoms - Single rather than multiple areas of
involvement - Larger areas available for the cord There are many
successful surgical techniques for treatin