Spinal cord compression involves pressure placed on the bundled nerves that run through the spine, relaying messages between the brain and various muscles and soft tissues. The stack of backbones known as the vertebrae not only help maintain an upright torso, but protect these nerves, with openings between each vertebra allowing nerves to run through and to different parts of the body.
Often associated with osteoporosis and the natural wear and tear that occurs with aging, such compression may be centered anywhere from the lumbar spine (lower back) to the cervical spine (neck). Contributing factors often include injury, spinal tumor, bone disease, or scoliosis, (abnormal spine alignment).
Pain in the affected area is often the first symptom and impacts 90 percent of people experiencing spinal cord compression. This may feel like a tight band constricting the body, with pain worsening when engaging in activities such as lying flat on the back, sneezing and coughing. Leg or arm weakness and numbness, and challenges walking, are also common.
Among the standard therapies are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroid injections, which address pain and swelling. Braces can help provide support to the back and physical therapy may help strengthen back, leg, and abdominal muscles. Surgical options, a last resort, include the widening of spaces between the vertebrae and removal of bone spurs. Fusing one or more vertebrae together can also help stabilize the back.
