What You Should Know About Spinal Cord Compression
The spinal cord is a long, thick, and delicate column of nerve tissues extending from the brain stem's base down to the spine. The spinal column or the backbone primarily consists of the vertebrae, spinal cord, and discs. The spinal cord acts as a channel of communication for the brain. It transmits signals to and receives signals from the rest of the body through the spinal cord.
What is spinal cord compression?
Spinal cord compression results from a condition where an object puts pressure or pressing against the spinal cord. This object could include a herniated disc, tumor, muscle, or bone. It disrupts the signal transmission throughout the body, resulting in numbness, pain, weakness, and other symptoms.
Spinal cord compression can happen anywhere along the spine, ranging from the neck to the lower back.
Causes of spinal cord compression
There are numerous possible causes of spinal cord compression, and depending on the cause, the symptoms may occur suddenly or worsen gradually over time. The most common causes include:
Spinal injury from a car accident, fall, gunshot, or sports injury that leads to swelling, fracture, or vertebra dislocation, which places pressure on the spinal cord
Cancerous or non-cancerous spinal tumor
A herniated or ruptured disc
Pus accumulation around the spinal cord
Hematoma, or blood accumulation around the spinal cord due to an injury or bleeding disorders
Inflammation or infection
Abnormal spine alignment or scoliosis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoporosis, when the bone loses tissues and becomes fragile, brittle, or dries out
Osteoarthritis
Factors increasing the risk of spinal cord compression
Although anyone can develop certain health conditions or injure the spinal cord leading to compression, some factors can trigger or increase the possibility of spinal cord compression. Age is one of the most common risk factors, as the bone becomes weak and brittle over time. The condition usually occurs in patients over 50 years. Persons born with a small spinal canal are also at a higher risk of experiencing cervical cord compression.
Spinal cord compression symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on the affected segment of the spinal cord. While injuries may lead to faster symptom development, other signs of tumors, arthritis, or spinal wear and tear may take weeks or years to surface. Let us look at the primary symptoms associated with spinal cord compression:
Muscles or limb weakness or numbness (foot drop)
Reduced or lost bowel or bladder control
Burning pain traveling through the limbs (sciatica)
Experiencing trouble walking or moving
Paralysis
Weakness in shoulders, hands, or arms
Loss of sexual ability or function
Treatment options for spinal cord compression
There are various treatment options for spinal cord compression depending on the causes and symptoms severity. The doctors design a comprehensive treatment plan to release spinal column pressure and alleviate symptoms severity. It may include:
Prescription and over-the-counter medicines to reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy by a certified physical therapist for improving flexibility, relieving pain, and strengthening muscles.
Lifestyle modifications
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Spinal injections
Acupressure or acupuncture
How to prevent spinal cord compression
While you can't entirely prevent spinal cord compression, you can do something. People can take measures to create a healthy and strong backbone and muscles to reduce compression risk, including:
Regular exercise;
Maintain a healthy weight;
Ensure good posture;
Lift heavy objects properly and safely;
Eat a balanced diet.
If you are looking for occupational or physical therapy, vestibular rehab, wheelchair training, learning to walk, unweighting aquatic therapy, or other services in the Phoenix area, please call Touchstone Rehabilitation at 602-277-1073.