OTHER RESOURCES

The Perspectives of People with DCM

Myelopathy.org, an international DCM charity, has worked closely with people with DCM for the first time, to gain a better understanding of their perspective and the disease. Whilst this may vary significantly from individual to individual, collectively this information has highlighted many important points for the first time.

Firstly, a diagnostic delay is extremely common in DCM and is associated with greater disability and dependence [1]. The Myelopathy.org survey of 778 individuals found that 55.4% had waited longer than a year for a diagnosis, with more than one fifth waiting for over five years. Delay was more common in those of black or African American ethnicity, and was associated with greater disability and dependence. 

Secondly, the impact of DCM is not restricted to the individual living with the disease. A Myelopathy.org survey of 87 carers found that the demands placed upon them through caregiving were high, and their subsequent quality of life low [2]. 

Thirdly, despite being reported as an outcome in only 27% of DCM research [3], pain is a key recovery priority of people with DCM and a key aspect of their long-term disability [1]. A Myelopathy.org survey of 481 individuals asked people with DCM to prioritise the effects of the disease in order of priority for recovery. Whilst walking and hand function were priorities, the number one recovery priority was pain. This has led to a redesign of the Phase III Clinical Trial RECEDE-Myelopathy, and re-consideration of the CSM Protect trial findings [4].

Finally, following consultation with the Myelopathy.org community, people with DCM have determined they wish to be referred to as such, rather than as “patients” or “sufferers” [5].
Show more +

Statements for Clinical Practice

Fehlings MG, Tetreault LA, Riew KD, et al. (2017) A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Recommendations for Patients With Mild, Moderate, and Severe Disease and Nonmyelopathic Patients With Evidence of Cord CompressionGlobal Spine Journal 7: 70S-83S

Recommendations of the World Federation of Neurological Societies Spine Committee

People with DCM have determined they wish to be referred to as such, rather than as ‘patients’ or ‘sufferers’.

Boerger TF, Davies BM, Sadler I, et al. (2020) Patient, sufferer, victim, casualty or person with cervical myelopathy: let us decide our identifierIntegrated Healthcare Journal 2020;2:e000023
Show more +

Statements for Research

AOSpine RECODE-DCM has identified the top research priorities for DCM.

Davies BM, Kwon BK, Fehlings MG, et al. (2022) AO Spine RECODE-DCM: Why Prioritize Research in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy? Global Spine Journal 12 (1): 5S-7S

People with DCM have determined they wish to be referred to as such, rather than as ‘patients’ or ‘sufferers’.

Boerger TF, Davies BM, Sadler I, et al. (2020) Patient, sufferer, victim, casualty or person with cervical myelopathy: let us decide our identifierIntegrated Healthcare Journal 2020;2:e000023
Show more +