Cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most severe type of cervical spondylosis. It is a syndrome caused by degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae and intervertebral discs, leading to central cervical spinal canal stenosis, compression of the cervical spinal cord, and subsequent spinal cord dysfunction. This condition is more common in middle-aged and elderly individuals, with a higher incidence in males than females. The main symptoms include weakness and instability when walking, increased muscle tone in the limbs, and in later stages, urinary and fecal incontinence, and even paralysis.