Myelopathy Treatment in India

Saanvi Das, a 58-year-old retired school...

Saanvi Das, a 58-year-old retired school principal, had always been active, tending her garden and volunteering at the local library. Over the past year, she noticed a gradual decline in her fine motor skills, struggling to button her blouse, dropping spoons, and her handwriting becoming shaky and cramped. This was accompanied by a persistent, dull ache in her neck and a disturbing sensation of 'walking on cotton wool,' making her unsteady on her feet. Her primary care physician, concerned about her loss of dexterity and balance, referred her to a spine surgeon. An MRI revealed severe cervical spinal stenosis with cord compression, diagnosing cervical myelopathy. The surgeon explained that the pressure on her spinal cord was causing the neurological symptoms and that without surgery, the damage could become permanent. Saanvi underwent a cervical laminectomy and fusion. The surgery went smoothly, but the immediate post-operative period was challenging with neck pain and stiffness. Through dedicated physical therapy, she gradually regained strength and coordination. Six months later, her balance is vastly improved, her hands are steady, and she can write and garden again. Emotionally, she journeyed from fear and frustration at losing her independence to profound relief and gratitude. She feels she has reclaimed a vital part of her life and is now advocating for elder mobility awareness in her community.