How is CSM treated?
If CSM is not treated, it will usually stay the same or get worse. There's no way to predict whether it will get worse. Your doctor will talk with you about the pros and cons of the treatment options. Mild cases of CSM can be treated with neck braces or neck traction, and physical therapy, but it's not clear whether these treatments help in the long run. Surgery to reduce the compression of the spinal cord may help some people, but it doesn't help everyone. Medicines can relieve pain caused by CSM, but they don't help other symptoms such as weakness or numbness.
Source
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Common Cause of Spinal Cord Dysfunction in Older Persons by WF Young (American Family Physician September 01, 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000901/1064.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 09/10
Created: 09/00