When your neck aches or your fingers feel numb, it’s easy to assume you’ve just had a long day or slept in a bad position. But what if those little signals are your body’s way of saying something more serious is happening?

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy remains underdiagnosed, even though it’s the leading cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults Based on the recent in-depth research by Cervellini et al. (2025), published in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, this condition deserves far more public and professional awareness.
👉 Read the full research article here.

What Exactly is DCM (Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy) ?

DCM occurs when age-related degeneration in the cervical spine (neck) leads to compression of the spinal cord. This can result from disc herniation, ligament ossification, spondylosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal. The compressed spinal cord blocks the brain’s signals, disrupting communication with your limbs and organs.

According to the paper, DCM has a global estimated prevalence of 2.3%, with women and individuals over 40 more frequently affected. Alarmingly, Imaging shows that over 70% of people over 65 experience spinal degeneration, and one-quarter already live with cord compression—many without realizing it.

Why DCM Often Goes Undiagnosed?

DCM is often missed in its early stages because its symptoms can be vague, inconsistent, and similar to other conditions. Many patients are told their symptoms are due to arthritis or normal aging. Patients often visit five or more doctors before anyone correctly diagnoses their condition. During this time, the spinal cord continues to suffer.

Unlike other conditions, there are no validated screening tools specifically for DCM. Diagnosis is usually based on a thorough patient history, clinical examination (such as checking reflexes and motor function), and most importantly, an MRI scan to confirm spinal cord compression.

Recognizing the Symptoms: What to Watch Out For.

DCM symptoms often emerge subtly. According to the paper’s review of clinical data:

• Hand numbness and clumsiness are reported in over 80% of early-stage patients.
• Gait disturbances and difficulty walking are seen in over 70%.
• Upper extremity weakness, neck pain, and bladder issues may follow.
• In advanced stages, spasticity, loss of balance, and urinary incontinence are common.

Interestingly, some symptoms like neck pain or unilateral hand weakness are often downplayed, yet they can be the first signs of DCM. Early detection is crucial, especially since many of these symptoms overlap with other common musculoskeletal conditions.

Is DCM Treatable?

Yes, but time is critical. According to Cervellini et al. (2025), surgery is the primary intervention for moderate to severe cases of DCM. Surgical decompression can halt disease progression and sometimes even improve neurological function. In mild cases, conservative management including physiotherapy, home exercises, posture correction, and activity modification may be trialed under careful monitoring.

However, non-surgical care has limited long-term evidence, and up to 54% of conservatively managed patients eventually require surgery. This highlights the need for individualized, timely referrals and multidisciplinary collaboration.

So… Is That Neck Pain Just Neck Pain?

Not always. DCM might be silently compromising your spinal cord—so don’t ignore the signs. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or a clinician, being alert to subtle but progressive symptoms is crucial. As Cervellini et al. (2025) stress, early diagnosis and timely intervention can dramatically improve patient outcomes.

Related Reading at Sutra Medi.

Still worried about pain or posture? Explore these related posts on our blog:

• Dive deeper into overall spinal wellness with “From Backbone to Vitality: Mastering Spine and Bone Health for a Pain‑Free Life” arxiv.orgsutramedi.com.my
• Discover how radiofrequency therapy alleviates osteoarthritis-related pain, including issues in the cervical spine, in “Ditch the Pain, Keep the Gain: RF Game‑Changing Fix for Osteoarthritis!” sutramedi.com.my