What is Spinal Cord Compression? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments Explained

Spinal cord compression is a medical condition where there’s pressure exerted on the spinal cord, which can lead to various symptoms and complications. But what causes this compression, and how is it treated? Let’s dive in to understand better.

Understanding Spinal Cord Compression
Spinal cord compression arises from a condition or ailment that places pressure on the spinal cord. This pressure can result in a range of symptoms, from pain and numbness to weakness. These symptoms can manifest in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, and may appear either gradually or suddenly, based on the root cause.

Symptoms of Myelopathy
Myelopathy is a severe compression of the spinal cord, affecting the nerves controlling numerous body movements and functions. Individuals may encounter:

Numbness or loss of sensation in the limbs.
Pain in the neck, back, arm, or lower region of the body.
Weakness or tingling sensations.
Challenges with fine motor tasks, such as buttoning a shirt.
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Common Causes of Compression Myelopathies
One leading cause of myelopathy is spinal cord compression due to degenerative spine disease. Nevertheless, myelopathy can also arise from tumors or other mass growths. These intraspinal tumors may originate within the spinal cord (intramedullary tumors) or compress it externally (extramedullary tumors). For detailed information, check out this resource.

Complications like Spondylosis
Spondylosis can cause spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition may result in the spinal cord or nerve roots becoming compressed. One common manifestation is the cervical spinal cord compression due to spondylosis. Explore more on spondylosis and its implications.

Treatment Options
Spinal decompression surgeries are common treatments. Hospitals, such as HSS, perform various spine decompression surgeries like laminectomy, laminotomy, laminoplasty, discectomy, microdiscectomy, and more. A lumbar decompression surgery, for instance, could address lower back issues, including lumbar laminectomy or microdiscectomy. To know more about decompression surgeries, see here.

One such surgery is the ACDF Surgery (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery), a combination of spinal decompression and fusion. It’s applied to treat conditions like herniated discs and compressed nerves. Learn more about ACDF Surgery here.

In conclusion, spinal cord compression can have significant implications on one’s health, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, it’s manageable. If you experience any symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a medical professional immediately.