Logan Steele
Spinal cord compression occurs when pressure is applied to the spinal cord, causing swelling and reduced blood flow, which can lead to permanent nerve damage if not treated promptly. This pressure can be caused by a variety of conditions, including tumours, infections, injuries, and cancer spreading to the spine. The symptoms of spinal cord compression include pain, numbness, weakness, and loss of bowel and bladder control. While pain is often the first symptom, it can manifest in various ways, such as a dull ache, electric-like sensations, or a burning sensation. The pain may also be felt in different parts of the body, including the back, neck, arms, and legs. As the abdomen is not directly associated with the spine, it is unlikely that a compressed spine will cause abdominal muscle pain. However, a compressed spine can lead to digestive problems, constipation, and appetite loss, all of which are related to the stomach and could be considered abdominal issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is spinal cord compression | A problem that occurs when something puts pressure on the spinal cord |
| What causes spinal cord compression | Tumours, cancer, degenerative disc disease, rheumatoid arthritis, wear and tear, osteoporosis, abnormal bone growth, injuries, infections, etc. |
| Symptoms | Pain, numbness, weakness, loss of bowel and bladder control, problems with walking, loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, difficulty writing or buttoning shirts, etc. |
| Treatment | Medicines, physical therapy, injections, surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, etc. |
| Prevention | Exercise, good posture, healthy weight, healthy diet, no smoking, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Spinal cord compression causes
Spinal cord compression can be caused by any condition that exerts pressure on the spinal cord. The spinal column is made up of soft tissue and bony structures, which provide structural support to the body and protect the spinal cord. However, this structure is susceptible to various compressive phenomena.
Spinal cord compression can be caused by both atraumatic and traumatic factors. Traumatic causes can include severe trauma, such as a car accident, sports injury, or a fall. Atraumatic causes can include degenerative disc disease, which is a normal part of aging when the disks in the vertebrae of the neck and back wear out. As people age, the disks in their spines lose water content, dry out, and become stiff, causing the vertebrae to move closer together. Other potential causes include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the thin membrane lining the joints, causing pain and stiffness. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis can cause the weakening and destruction of joints and bones, respectively.
In addition, spinal cord compression can be caused by the expansion of blood products, neoplastic disease, infectious collections, or the protrusion of bone or intervertebral discs within the spinal epidural space. Certain bacterial infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcal species, can cause spinal infections that lead to compression. Furthermore, cancerous tumours can develop on or spread to the spine, causing compression. Tumours can also cause compression by exerting pressure on nerves in the lumbar region of the lower back, leading to cauda equina syndrome, which is a medical emergency.
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Tumours and cancer
Spinal cord compression occurs when something puts pressure on the spinal cord. This can be caused by a tumour or cancer that has spread to the spine. Tumours that originate in the spine are uncommon, with benign tumours accounting for 0.5% of all newly diagnosed tumours, and malignant tumours being even rarer.
Spinal tumours can cause pain, which is often the first symptom. Back pain is the most common symptom of both benign and malignant spinal tumours, particularly in the middle or lower back, as tumours are more likely to develop in these regions. Pain from a spinal tumour can spread to the lower back, buttocks, or legs, and may worsen when lying down. It can also spread down the arms and may feel like a band around the chest or abdomen.
Other symptoms of spinal tumours include numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the legs, arms, or chest; muscle weakness; muscle twitches or spasms; a stiff back or neck; and loss of bowel and bladder control. Scoliosis or other spinal deformities can result from a large and/or destructive tumour. Paralysis may occur, depending on which nerves the tumour is compressing.
If a tumour is causing spinal cord compression, treatment options include surgery to remove the tumour and relieve pressure on the spinal cord, and drug therapy. The type of drugs used depends on the type of cancer and its location. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy may be used depending on the type of cancer.
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Treatment options
Spinal cord compression is a serious condition that occurs when something puts pressure on the spinal cord, which can cause swelling and reduced blood flow to the nerves and spinal cord. This can lead to permanent nerve damage if not treated promptly. The treatment options for a compressed spine depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. Here are some common treatment options:
Medication
Doctors often start with conservative management and prescribe pain medication for the first two weeks. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to relieve pain and reduce swelling. If the pain is severe and hasn't responded to other treatments, narcotics may be prescribed for a limited period. Nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin have also been recommended for people with osteoarthritis, but recent studies have been inconclusive.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in strengthening the muscles supporting the vertebrae and improving flexibility. It can help patients maintain strength and endurance, making it easier to perform daily activities. Specific exercises can be recommended to improve back strength, abdominal muscles, and leg muscles. Additionally, physical therapists can educate patients on safe body mechanics, such as proper lifting techniques, maintaining good posture, and sleeping on a firm mattress.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, spinal decompression therapy, and chiropractic care can be effective in relieving pain without surgery. Spinal decompression therapy aims to relieve pressure on the neural elements of the spine, providing pain relief. Traction, using pulleys and weights, and inversion therapy are also used to relieve pressure on the spine. Nerve stimulation, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), helps muscles relax and reduces nerve pain.
Surgery
In cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include removing bone spurs, widening the space between vertebrae, draining abscesses or hematomas, and correcting abnormal bone growth. In some cases, parts of the vertebrae may need to be removed to access and remove tumours or relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Spinal fusion, where vertebrae are fused together, can be performed to stabilize the spine. Minimally invasive surgical techniques may be an option, and patients should discuss these options with their healthcare providers.
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Symptoms and diagnosis
Spinal cord compression occurs when something puts pressure on the spinal cord, causing it to swell and reducing the blood flow to the nerves and spinal cord. As a result, the nerves and spinal cord can be permanently damaged if left untreated. Spinal cord compression can be caused by a variety of conditions, including tumours, cancer spreading to the spine, degenerative disc disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of spinal cord compression depend on the location of the compression and the nerves affected. Pain is often the first symptom, with over 90% of people experiencing it. It may feel like a band around the chest or abdomen and can spread to the lower back, buttocks, legs, or down the arms. The pain may worsen when lying down or with movement, such as standing or walking. Other common symptoms include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, affecting fine motor skills and coordination. In some cases, it can lead to more serious issues such as cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention.
To diagnose spinal cord compression, healthcare providers will perform physical and neurological examinations. These examinations include questions and tests to assess the functioning of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Special imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, bone scans, and myelograms (a type of CT scan involving dye injection into the spinal column), may also be used to visualise the spinal cord and surrounding structures. Electromyography (EMG), which measures muscle activity, can also be utilised.
Treatment for spinal cord compression should begin as soon as possible and varies depending on the cause and symptoms. It may include medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroid injections, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight, practising good body mechanics, and regular exercise can also help manage spinal cord compression.
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Prevention and management
Spinal cord compression is caused by any condition that puts pressure on the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Spinal cord compression can occur anywhere from the neck (cervical spine) to the lower back (lumbar spine).
Symptoms of spinal cord compression include numbness, pain, weakness, and loss of bowel and bladder control. These symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually and may require anything from supportive care to emergency surgery.
Prevention
- Regular exercise: Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles that support the back, keeping the spine flexible and reducing stress on the spine. Focus on strengthening the core, back, neck, and abdomen.
- Good posture: Maintaining proper posture helps to distribute weight evenly across the spine, reducing stress on any one area.
- Safe lifting techniques: Learn how to lift heavy objects safely to avoid placing excessive pressure on the spine.
- Firm mattress and supportive chair: Sleeping on a firm mattress and sitting in a chair that supports the natural curves of the back can help reduce spinal compression.
- Healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on the back and can contribute to spinal compression. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent this.
- Healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to spinal compression.
- No smoking: Smoking can increase inflammation and damage the spine over time.
Management
- Education: Learn as much as you can about your condition and take an active role in your treatment.
- Medical care: Work closely with your healthcare providers and caregivers. If you are experiencing symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, seek medical care immediately, typically in the emergency room.
- Healthy back habits: Continue to maintain good body mechanics, such as a firm mattress, supportive chair, and healthy weight.
- Exercise: Get regular exercise to strengthen the back and improve flexibility.
- Home remedies: Try simple home remedies like an ice bag, heating pad, massage, or a long hot shower to help reduce pain.
- Medical treatments: Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, your healthcare provider may recommend treatments such as medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery.
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Frequently asked questions
Spinal cord compression occurs when something puts pressure on the spinal cord, causing it to swell and reducing the blood flow to the nerves and spinal cord. This results in a lack of oxygen, potentially leading to permanent nerve damage.
Pain is the most common symptom, with over 90% of people experiencing it. It may feel like a band around the chest or abdomen, spreading to the lower back, buttocks, legs, or arms. Other symptoms include numbness, weakness, and loss of bowel and bladder control.
Spinal cord compression can be caused by various conditions, including tumours, cancer spreading to the spine, degenerative disc disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also occur due to “wear and tear" changes in the spine as a result of aging.
