This leaflet answers common questions about degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). If you would like further information, or have any worries, please do not hesitate to ask your local healthcare professional.

What is degenerative cervical myelopathy?

DCM is a condition caused by age-related changes to the structures within the neck, resulting in compression or injury to the spinal cord.

Around 2% of adults are affected globally, but delays in diagnosis increase the risk of developing life-long disabilities and poor quality of life.

You are being given this leaflet as it is vital you are aware of what symptoms to look out for.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of degenerative cervical myelopathy include:

  • Numbness/pins and needles/changes in sensation in the arms and/or legs.
  • Clumsy hands, loss of finger dexterity causing difficulty with writing, shirt buttons, picking up small objects, fine motor skills.
  • Muscle weakness or heaviness in the arms and/or legs.
  • Imbalance, loss of co-ordination in your legs causing unsteadiness, trips or falls.
  • Difficulty walking, legs feeling heavy, stiff or weak.
  • Progressive/changing pain in the neck, arms and/or legs.
  • Altered sensation around your back passage and/or genitalia.
  • Changes to bladder function such as urgency/difficulty to pass urine or incontinence.
  • Changes to bowel function or incontinence.
  • Erectile dysfunction.

What do I do if I experience symptoms?

If you experience a combination of the symptoms above, attend your nearest emergency department immediately or call 999.