Exercise efficacy in management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy – A case report https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajhs.v35i6.5

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy is an ageing, degenerative spinal condition and
a common cause of myelopathy in adults, with the average age of presentation being 56
years. This case report was on a 63-year man who was apparently healthy until he was
presented with grade v on Nurick Classification System for Myelopathy. Lhermitte Sign
was present. The clinical presentations were motor deficit in the upper limbs (ULs), lower
limbs (LLs) and hands; intermittent bouts of spasms in lower limbs; painfully reduced
range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder, cervical and lumbosacral joints; impaired
activity of daily living (ADL) including ambulation, and reduced sleeping hours. The
treatment plan aimed to relieve pain at the affected joints; improve ROM in joints of ULs
and LLs; strengthen weak muscles (ULs and LLs); improve trunk control; improve
patella mobility and release of tight muscle/structures(hamstrings). The adopted Exercise
protocols, which were done between 11 am-1 pm at thrice weekly appointments for four
months, were Mobilization & Strengthening Exercises (all limbs); Back Flexibility
Exercises; Quadriceps Strengthening Exercises both LLs and Neuromotor Exercises. The
patient became stable on a tripod stand in the fourth month and was discharged on a
home programme at the end of the fourth month. The observed improvement in the
clinical condition of this Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy patient lays credence to the
efficacy of the use of exercise interventions in this condition.