Spinal Cord Compression

Medically reviewed by William Morrison, MD on August 1, 2016 — Written by MaryAnn DePietro

 Symptoms
 Causes
 Risk factors
 Diagnosis
 Treatments
 Outlook
 Prevention
What is spinal cord compression?

Your spinal cord has nerves that send signals or messages back and forth
between your brain and the rest of your body. Spinal cord compression occurs
when a mass places pressure on the cord. A mass can include a tumor or bone
fragment. Compression can develop anywhere along the spinal cord from the
neck to the lower spine.

What are the symptoms of spinal cord compression?

The symptoms of spinal cord compression can vary. They depend on how severe
the compression is and on what area of the spinal cord is compressed.

One of the most common symptoms is stiffness or pain in the back or the neck.
Numbness or weakness in the legs, hands, and arms can also develop. A
condition known as cauda equina syndrome can develop if the compression is in
the lumbar area. The symptoms of this syndrome include:

 severe pain and weakness in the legs

 a loss of bowel and bladder control
 severe numbness in the back of the legs and inner thighs

Spinal cord compression affects fine motor skills and coordination.

What causes spinal cord compression?

Spinal cord compression has many possible causes. The compression can come
on suddenly in some cases. Compression can occur over time in other instances.
The causes of spinal cord compression include the following:

 Certain degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, can lead to spinal cord

compression.
 A ruptured disk may lead to spinal cord compression.
 Injury to the spinal cord or the area around the cord can lead to swelling,
which can cause compression.
 Bleeding disorders coupled with chiropractic manipulation can result in
large clots compressing the spinal cord.
 Bone spurs can narrow the spinal canal, causing compression of the spinal
cord.
 Cancerous and noncancerous tumors can grow in the space near the
spinal cord. The tumor can put pressure on the cord if this occurs, causing
compression.

Who is at risk for spinal cord compression?

Anyone can have an injury or develop a condition that leads to spinal cord
compression. A few factors may increase your risk. Use of poor lifting techniques
may increase your risk of a neck or back injury, which can cause spinal cord
compression. People who have osteoarthritis may also be at an increased risk for
developing spinal cord compression.

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How is spinal cord compression diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose spinal cord compression by performing a medical history

and an exam, along with an X-ray of the spine and a CT scan or MRI test. Both a
CT and MRI can provide a detailed image of your spine.

The doctor may order a myelogram in some cases. This involves injecting dye
into your spinal area and then taking a CT scan of that area.

How is spinal cord compression treated?

Treatment for a spinal compression depends on the causes and the severity of
the compression. Your doctor may recommend reduced physical activity or
immobilization. Treatment plans can include the following:

 Anti-inflammatory medications may help decrease swelling and reduce

pain.
 Epidural steroid injections into the spinal area may help treat the
symptoms of spinal cord compression.
 Some people with spinal cord compression may benefit from physical
therapy. Exercises can help strengthen the abdominal and leg muscles,
and this strengthening may help decrease symptoms.
 Home care, such as applying ice packs and heating pads, and taking over-
the-counter pain relievers, can help relieve pain.
 Alternative treatments can include acupuncture or acupressure.
Chiropractic manipulation shouldn’t be used for spinal cord compression
according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
 Your doctor may prescribe other treatments, such as radiation therapy or
chemotherapy, to shrink a tumor that’s causing cord compression.

Surgery may be an option if more conservative treatments don’t work. The

appropriate type of surgery depends on the cause of the compression. Surgeons
can fuse vertebrae together, remove bone spurs, or increase the space between
the vertebrae.

What is the outlook for people with spinal cord compression?

The cause of the compression along with the severity of symptoms affects your
outlook. Some people respond well to treatment while others may not.

How is spinal cord compression prevented?

It may not be possible to prevent spinal cord compression in all cases because
there are so many possible causes. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting
regular exercise can help reduce added pressure on the back and symptoms of a
cord compression. Learning how to lift properly may decrease your likelihood of
injury.

-https://www.healthline.com/health/spinal-cord-compression

Spinal Cord Compression

Spinal cord compression is caused by any condition that puts pressure on your spinal
cord. Your spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that carries messages back and forth from
your brain to your muscles and other soft tissues. As your spinal cord travels down your
back, it is protected by a stack of backbones called vertebrae (they also hold your body
upright). The nerves of your spinal cord run out to your muscles through openings
between the vertebrae.

Spinal cord compression can occur anywhere from your neck down to your lower spine
and cause symptoms, such as numbness, pain, and weakness. Depending on the cause of
the compression, symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually, and they may require
anything from supportive care to emergency surgery.
 Facts about spinal cord compression
Your spine is divided into three areas. The cervical spine is the upper part of your spine
that supports your neck. The cervical spine has seven vertebrae. The middle part of your
back is your thoracic spine. It is made up of 12 vertebrae. The lumbar spine is your lower
back and has five vertebrae. Spinal compression can occur in any of these areas.

One of the most common causes of spinal compression is the gradual wear and tear of
osteoarthritis. People who develop spinal cord compression from this are usually older
than 50. Other conditions that may cause spinal cord compression can develop more
quickly, even very suddenly, and can occur at any age.

Types of spinal cord compression

These are common conditions that may cause spinal cord compression:

 Osteoarthritis
 Abnormal spine alignment
 Injury to the spine
 Spinal tumor
 Certain bone diseases
 Rheumatoid arthritis
 Infection

Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal cord compression can develop quickly or slowly, depending on the
cause. Injuries may cause immediate symptoms. Tumors or infections may cause
symptoms that develop over days or weeks. Wear and tear of the spine may take years to
cause symptoms.

These are common symptoms:

 Pain and stiffness in the neck, back, or lower back

 Burning pain that spreads to the arms, buttocks, or down into the legs (sciatica)
 Numbness, cramping, or weakness in the arms, hands, or legs
 Loss of sensation in the feet
 Difficulty with hand coordination
 "Foot drop," weakness in a foot that causes a limp
 Loss of sexual ability
Pressure on nerves in the lumbar region can also cause more serious symptoms known
as cauda equina syndrome. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to get medical
attention right away, typically in the emergency room:

 Loss of bowel or bladder control

 Severe or increasing numbness between the legs, inner thighs, and back of the legs
 Severe pain and weakness that spreads into one or both legs, making it hard to walk or
get out of a chair

Diagnosis
To diagnose spinal compression, your doctor will ask you questions about your
symptoms and do a complete physical examination. During the exam, your doctor will
look for signs of spinal compression, such as loss of sensation, weakness, and abnormal
reflexes. Tests that help with your diagnosis may include:

 X-rays of your spine. These may show bone growths called spurs that push against
spinal nerves. X-rays may also show an abnormal alignment of your spine.
 Special imaging tests of your spine. A CT or MRI scan will give a more detailed look at
the spinal cord and the structures surrounding it.
 Other studies that may be done include a bone scan, myelogram (a special X-ray or CT
scan taken after injecting dye into the spinal column), and electromyography, or EMG,
an electrical test of muscle activity.

Treatment
The medical team involved in treating your spinal cord compression may include
arthritis specialists, bone surgeons, nerve specialists, and physical therapists. Treatment
may involve medication, physical therapy, injections, and/or surgery. Except in cases of
emergency, such as cauda equina syndrome or a broken back, surgery is usually the last
resort.

 Medications may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve pain and
swelling, and steroid injections that reduce swelling.
 Physical therapy may include exercises to strengthen your back, abdominal, and leg
muscles. You may learn how to do activities more safely. Braces to support your back or
a cervical collar may also be helpful.
 Surgical treatments include removing bone spurs and widening the space between
vertebrae. Other procedures may be done to relieve pressure on the spine or repair
fractured vertebrae. The back may also be stabilized by fusing some of the vertebrae
together.
 Some other treatments that may be helpful for some people include acupuncture and
chiropractic care.

Prevention
Many causes of spinal cord compression can’t be prevented. You can help prevent
symptoms of spinal cord compression caused by gradual wear and tear by keeping your
back as strong and healthy as possible:

 Get regular exercise. Exercise strengthens the muscles that support your back and helps
keep your spine flexible.
 Maintain good posture and learn how to safely lift heavy objects. Other good body
mechanics include sleeping on a firm mattress and sitting in a chair that supports the
natural curves of your back.
 Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, know that excess weight puts more
stress on your back and can contribute to developing symptoms of spinal compression.

Managing spinal cord compression

The best way to manage spinal cord compression is to learn as much as you can about
your condition, work closely with your health care providers and caregivers, and take an
active role in your treatment. Keep your back as healthy as possible by maintaining a
healthy weight, practicing good body mechanics, and getting regular exercise.

Home remedies
Simple home remedies like an ice bag, heating pad, massage, or a long hot shower can
help.

The nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have been recommended as

nutritional supplements for osteoarthritis, but recent studies have been disappointing.
Ask your health care provider if he or she recommends any supplements for you and
always discuss any alternative treatments or medications you’d like to try.
-http://www.columbianeurology.org/neurology/staywell/document.php?id=41939