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Waterfall News

flow impairment, as well as repeat trauma to the neural
elements by protruded discs and/or osteophytes.

cLinicAL pREsEnTATion
Cervical Spondylosis may present with pain and
paraesthesia in the head, neck and shoulders. Cervical
Spondylotic Myelopathy develops in almost all
patients with >30% narrowing of the spinal canal.

The time course of the symptoms is
variable and unpredictable.

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy may present with
any of the below five recognisable syndromes:
1. Transverse lesion syndrome
2. Motor system syndrome
3. Central Cord syndrome
4. Brown Sequard syndrome
5. Brachialgia and Cord syndrome.

In the lumbar spine stenosis (central vs
lateral recess vs foraminal) it presents with
radiculopathy or neurogenic claudication.

EVALuATion
Evaluating the degenerative disease may include
a combination of the following modalities:
• X-rays
• An MRI scan
• A CT scan and CT Myelogram
• An Electromyography test (EMG) and
nerve conduction study (NCS).

TREATmEnT
Treatment without surgery is possible and
is an option available to those suffering
with degenerative disorders of the spine.
Non-operative management includes
physiotherapy, pain control, braces and
weight reduction/lifestyle modification.
Surgery is reserved for selected
patients with neural compression
and/or spinal instability.

Dr Madumo is based at Netcare
Waterfall City Hospital. For
more information, feel free to
contact Dr Madumo’s offices on:
011 304 6761.

24 Waterfall Issue 3 2020