This is known as osteoarthritis. People who develop spinal cord compression from this are usually older than Other conditions that may cause spinal cord compression can develop more quickly, even very suddenly. These can occur at any age:. Symptoms of spinal cord compression can develop quickly or slowly.
It depends 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. Pressure on nerves in the lumbar region lower back can also cause more serious symptoms known as cauda equina syndrome. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to get medical care right away, typically in the emergency room:.
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. To diagnose spinal cord compression, your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your symptoms and do a complete physical exam.
During the exam, they 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 scan or MRI will give a more detailed look at the spinal cord and the structures surrounding it. Other studies. These may include a bone scan, a special X-ray or CT scan taken after injecting dye into the spinal column myelogram , and electromyography EMG , an electrical test of muscle activity.
The medical team involved in treating your spinal cord compression may include arthritis specialists, bone surgeons, nerve specialists, and physical therapists.
Treatment depends on the cause and your symptoms. It may involve medicines, physical therapy, injections, and surgery. Except in cases of emergency, such as cauda equina syndrome or a broken back, surgery is usually the last resort.
Medicines may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs that relieve pain and swelling and steroid injections that reduce swelling. In more acute spinal cord compression, high-dose steroids are used to save nerve cells until other treatment can be given. Radiation therapy may be used to shrink tumors that are compressing the spinal cord. 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. While spines vary in size and shape from person to person, a healthy spine has natural front-to-back curves that make it possible to walk, balance, sit, stand, and twist, all of which are complex, interactive movements.
There are several ways a spine can curve abnormally. Examples include:. A side-to-side curve is called scoliosis. A spine with scoliosis is also rotated or twisted, pulling the ribs along with it to form a multidimensional curve. Risk factors for developing a spine problem vary from condition to condition.
Common risk factors and predispositions for spine conditions include:. Several spine problems can be seen at or shortly after birth. Sometimes, spine problems are detected before birth using a prenatal ultrasound. Congenital scoliosis is present at birth, but may not be apparent until later. The long-term outlook depends greatly on the nature and severity of the spinal condition, as well as the nature and severity of any underlying conditions.
Most children with spine problems achieve full, normal function, normal appearance, and good general health. Our spine specialists see thousands of patients and perform hundreds of surgeries each year.
We collaborate regularly with the Department of Neurosurgery to provide safe, customized care for even the most complex spine problems. Our Spine and Sports Program treats spine conditions and injuries that affect the young athlete.
For Patients. Contact the Spine Division Water therapy programs are usually taught in warm water, and many people find the warmth soothing on their joints. See Water Therapy Exercise Program. Studies show that massage therapy is an effective treatment for some types of back pain. Massages offer several potential benefits, including 10 , 11 :. You can perform an easy DIY back massage at home using tennis balls or visit a local massage therapist certified in therapeutic massages, such as the deep tissue technique.
Smoking increases your likelihood of developing degenerative spinal disorders and back pain by damaging the vascular structures of your spinal discs and joints. Quitting is difficult, but there are many products, support groups, and strategies that have worked for thousands of people. See Ways to Quit Smoking. Lifting heavy items without supporting your spine can put your lower back muscles in abnormal positions that may lead to painful muscle strains.
Additionally, unsupported lifting may cause your spinal joints to lock or your spinal discs to rupture. Correct lifting involves more than just incorporating your knees. Pick a few of the above ideas for indulging your spine that you can easily incorporate into your daily life.
Over time, even small changes to your daily routine will add up to provide meaningful and sustained pain relief. Massage Therapy for Lower Back Pain. You are here Blog. By Zinovy Meyler, DO. Take time to treat your spine to several of these 11 indulgences and make your favorite ones a part of your everyday routine: Spine Anatomy Overview Video Save. Water Therapy Exercises Save. Gordon R, Bloxham S.
Healthcare Basel. Published Apr Zeidan F, Vago DR. Mindfulness meditation-based pain relief: a mechanistic account.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. Banth S, Ardebil MD. Effectiveness of mindfulness meditation on pain and quality of life of patients with chronic low back pain. Int J Yoga. Lumbar Disc Herniation. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med.
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