That mysterious back or neck pain you’ve been experiencing might just be Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) – a progressive condition that is the most common cause of spinal cord injury. Left untreated, DCM can lead to permanent nerve damage, resulting in paralysis and a drastic increase in the chance of a more serious spinal cord injury, later in life.To explore, Heather meets with Dr. Michael G. Fehlings, a neurosurgeon and senior scientist with Krembil Brain Institute at UHN. He’s on a mission to spread awareness about DCM and improve the quality of life for those living with spinal cord injuries. Dr. Fehlings is a pioneer in the treatment of spinal conditions, and one of the first clinician-researchers to identify the benefits of early spinal decompression surgery, for DCM and other spine-related conditions.We also hear from Analynne Salas, a patient of Dr. Fehlings, who underwent spinal decompression surgery for DCM, after a fall. After months of in-patient rehab, Analynne is greatly improved and back at home with her family. Later, we also meet Rosalie Magtoto, an Advanced Practice Nurse who has been with the Spine team at Krembil Brain Institute for the past 18 years. Featuring:Dr. Michael Fehlings, a neurosurgeon and a senior scientist with Krembil Brain Institute at UHN.Special thanks to Analynne Salas and Rosalie Magtoto for sharing their stories. To hear more from Analynne, listen to her full story here: https://www.uhn.ca/Krembil/Complex-Brain-PodcastAdditional Resources:UHN Spinal Cord ClinicKrembil Brain Institute Spine ProgramThe Fehlings Laboratory for Neural Repair and RegenerationSpinal Cord Injury CanadaSpinal Cord Injury OntarioUHN Research – Dr. Michael G. FehlingsUHN News – A Radical Method for Treating Spinal Cord InjuriesThe Globe and Mail – How to Recognize the Early Signs of Degenerative Cervical MyelopathyThe Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembilTo get in touch, email us at krembil@uhnresearch.ca or message us on social media:Instagram - @krembilresearchTwitter - @KBI_UHNFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstituteThanks for listening!