We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Spinal Cord Compression?

Deanna Baranyi
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024

Spinal cord compression can be one of the most painful injuries to the back. With these injuries, the spinal cord is compressed by blood, bone, pus, tumors, or a herniated disc. A healthy spinal cord is protected by the spine, but some injuries and diseases can put added pressure on the spinal cord and spinal cord nerves, thereby causing pain. The pain may last only a few minutes, or in some cases, for days at a time.

The symptoms of spinal cord compression can range from mild to very severe. If the symptoms are mild, only some of the nerves are compressed along the spine. In that case, there may be some discomfort in the back area, muscle fatigue, and a tingling sensation. Depending on the cause of the compression, the back may be sensitive to the touch along the spine. In addition, reflexes, such as the urge to use the bathroom, may become exaggerated and cause the individual to have muscle spasms.

As the spinal cord compression becomes greater, the symptoms become more severe. Weakness of the back muscles, the inability to fully release the bladder, the loss of bowel and bladder control, and numbness to the legs or arms are common symptoms in worse cases. If the spinal cord nerves are so compressed that all impulses of the spinal cord nerves are affected, the individual may face paralysis.

As mentioned above, spinal cord compression can be caused by several different factors. For example, if the vertebrae are fractured, broken, dislocated, or malformed, the vertebrae can compress the spinal cord and nerves. Sometimes vertebrae break or fracture from an injury or accident, but other times they become fragile due to osteoporosis or certain kinds of cancer.

Ligaments and other connective tissue can cause spinal cord compression, if a traumatic injury to the back occurs. In addition, blood can pool in and around the spinal cord after an injury, as a result of a defect in the blood vessels, tumors, the use of certain anticoagulants and drugs, or bleeding disorders. In those cases, the blood can form a hematoma which puts undue pressure on the spinal cord. Also, a specific disorder, cauda equine syndrome, can also compress the spinal cord.

In most cases, individuals suffering from spinal cord compression can be diagnosed and treated to increase the ability to function or reverse the damage. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), medical doctors can see what section of the spinal cord is being compressed. In addition, a physical examination can tell many details about the section that is damaged. For example, if there is weakness and numbness in the legs, but not the arms, and if there is a loss of bowel and bladder control, the spinal cord may be compressed at the thoracic section.

Once the doctor finds out what is causing the compression and where the compression is occurring, surgery may be performed to alleviate the pressure. In addition, if a tumor is found to be the cause of the compression, a biopsy may be performed first. In some cases, corticosteroids may be administered to relieve the pain. Also, any blood or pus that has pooled around the spinal cord will be drained.

The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Deanna Baranyi
By Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi, a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the written word, brings a diverse skill set to her work. With degrees in relevant fields and a keen ability to understand and connect with target audiences, she crafts compelling copy, articles, and content that inform and engage readers.
Discussion Comments
By anon938773 — On Mar 10, 2014

I am also looking for a support group for spinal cord compression.

By anon183831 — On Jun 06, 2011

I'd also be interested in a support group I'll bookmark this post so that I can come back and check it.

By anon88544 — On Jun 05, 2010

Are there an support groups for people who have spinal cord compression?

Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi, a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the written word, brings a diverse skill set to her...
Learn more
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-spinal-cord-compression.htm
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.