Myelopathy is a term that means compression of the spinal cord.  This can be caused by bone spurs, a larger herniated disc, or a small spinal canal (the hole through which the spinal cord passes).  If it occurs in the neck, it can cause all four extremity numbness, tingling, and sometimes weakness.  If the problem occurs in the low back, it can cause significant lower extremity numbness, tingling, and sometimes weakness.  Myelopathy is almost always a surgical problem.  It should be noted that a small spinal canal that has never caused symptoms can become symptomatic when the patient is exposed to spinal trauma.  Bowel or bladder problems are always a surgical emergency.