What is the difference between myelopathy and radiculopathy?

Myelopathy is a disorder in which the tissue of the spinal cord is diseased or damaged due to severe compression. This often results from degenerative disease, autoimmune conditions, disc herniation, or possible congenital spinal stenosis.

This disorder is a gradual degenerative process that affects older adults. It can occur in the cervical or thoracic region, but cervical myelopathy is the most common. It is mostly treated by decompression surgery.

Radiculopathy, on the other hand, refers to any disease of the spinal nerve roots and spinal nerves. It is also referred to as a pinched nerve in which nerves are affected. This can cause pain, numbness, and muscle weakness.

Myelopathy is a condition that affects the spinal cord. When it is the result of damage to the spinal cord, it is known as a spinal cord injury. Myelopathy is inflammation of the spinal cord itself. Radiculopathy is caused due to the pinching of the nerve, as the surrounding muscles, bones, and tissues suffer injury or shift in position.

The results are compression of the nerve root triggering symptoms. Signs of myelopathy vary upon the level and extent of the cord involved. In radiculopathy, symptom relief is easier to procure.