Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a neck condition that arises when the spinal cord becomes compressed — or squeezed — due to the wear-and-tear changes that occur in the spine as we age…. Reference
Symptoms
Typically, the symptoms of CSM develop slowly and progress steadily over several years. In some patients, however, the condition may worsen more rapidly. Regardless of the pace, CSM will predictably progress over time.
Patients with CSM may experience a combination of the following symptoms:
Tingling or numbness in the arms, fingers, or hands.
Weakness in the muscles of the arms, shoulders, or hands. You may have trouble grasping and holding on to items.
Imbalance and other coordination problems. You may have trouble walking or you may fall down. With myelopathy, there is no sensation of spinning, or vertigo. Rather, your head and eyes feel steady, but your body feels unable to follow through with what you are trying to do.
Loss of fine motor skills. You may have difficulty with handwriting, buttoning your clothes, picking up coins, or feeding yourself.
Pain or stiffness in the neck.
Causes
CSM arises from degenerative changes that occur in the spine as we age.