Is cervical spinal cord compression the same as cervical spondylotic myelopathy?

Not necessarily—so there’s no need to worry excessively. However, active treatment should still be pursued to prevent disease progression. Compression of the spinal cord in the thoracic spine or pressure on the upper lumbar region can also cause corresponding changes, but these conditions do not constitute cervical spondylosis. When the spinal cord is compressed, characteristic symptoms may manifest throughout the body. For instance, cervical compression may lead to gait instability, weakness in the hands and feet, or other distinctive neurological signs. While spinal cord compression is the primary cause of myelopathic cervical spondylosis, it does not fully encompass the entire spectrum of this condition.