2. The Two Faces of Myelopathy: Primary and Secondary
To understand myelopathy better, it’s important to know that it’s not a one-size-fits-all condition. There are two main types, primary and secondary, each having its own origin story. Primary myelopathy is the villain that originates in the spinal cord, causing the disorder from within.
On the other hand, secondary myelopathy is a bit more deceptive. It isn’t born in the spinal cord but is a consequence of other conditions such as bone deformities or disc complications. In this scenario, the spinal cord is a battlefield where another health condition wages war, with myelopathy as the unfortunate result.
The implications of this division extend to the treatment approach for myelopathy. Primary myelopathy’s management is direct since the root cause lies in the spinal cord itself. The strategies are more straightforward and target the core of the problem.
In contrast, handling secondary myelopathy is a tad more complex. Since it’s a result of another health condition, a holistic approach is required. The treatment must address the root health issue causing the myelopathy while managing the spinal cord disorder simultaneously. (2)
