Understanding degenerative cervical myelopathy in musculoskeletal practice

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Spinal Cord Medicine

Background:

• Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) involves spinal cord compression, often mimicking aging or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Lack of validated screening tools complicates DCM diagnosis, risking delays and irreversible neurological damage.
• Limited awareness among public and healthcare professionals contributes to diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize and enhance physiotherapists' knowledge of DCM differential diagnosis and management.
• To provide essential information for understanding DCM and improving clinical reasoning.
• To guide clinicians on interdisciplinary collaboration and referral.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive, non-systematic literature review was performed.
• The review covered DCM epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostics, and management.

Main Results:

• The review provides essential knowledge to aid clinicians in understanding DCM.
• Enhanced clinical reasoning, examination interpretation, and performance are facilitated.
• Guidance on interdisciplinary collaboration and optimal referral is included.

Conclusions:

• This article aims to improve physiotherapists' understanding of DCM diagnosis and management.
• Enhanced knowledge can lead to earlier detection and better patient outcomes.
• Focus on differential diagnosis and appropriate referral is crucial for DCM patients.