Key Symptoms of Spinal Cord Compression Everyone Should Know

By Your Health Magazine

Spinal cord compression is a life-altering condition that affects movement, sensation, and basic functions in the body. Spinal cord compression occurs when something pushes on the spinal cord and interrupts signals traveling between the brain and the body. If you are able to spot and identify spinal cord compression early on, it could make a world of difference in your recovery.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are approximately 17,730 new spinal cord injuries in the United States each year. While not all spinal cord injuries are caused by compression, these numbers illustrate how common spinal cord injury is and how dramatic the consequences can be. Hearing about a spinal cord compression can be alarming and overwhelming; however, identifying the symptoms of spinal cord compression early can improve your ability to protect your health.

What is Spinal Cord Compression?

Spinal cord compression occurs when bones, tissues, or other materials press on the spinal cord. When pressure is applied to the spinal cord, it interferes with typical function, and if left untreated, this area of the body may be irreversibly damaged.

Some commonly seen causes of spinal cord compression include:

Injuries to the spinal cord from falls, accidents, and sports
Tumors that press against the spinal cord
Herniated or slipped discs
Arthritis of the lumbar spine that causes narrowing of the spinal canal

Early Warning Symptoms

Pain in the Neck or Back

In many cases, this is the first symptom you will notice and the most common symptom. The pain can be sharp, can feel like a burning sensation, or can be persistent pain. Many people have expressed feeling pain that amplifies while lying down, as well as while moving their bodies in a particular position.

Numbness or Tingling

Compression injuries can affect the nerves, leading to numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. This is often described as a feeling of “pins and needles” that does not go away.

Weakness in Limbs

You may notice your legs feel heavy, and you may not be able to lift things with your hands. Weakness typically occurs slowly, but left untreated, it can become worse fairly quickly.

Loss of Coordination and Balance

You may feel unsteady and uncoordinated when you walk or even buttoning a shirt can be hard. This is an sign that the spinal cord may be under stress.

Bladder or Bowel Problems

Problems with controlling your bladder or bowels is a “red flag” symptom. This usually means that you are experiencing significant or severe compression, so if the need arises, you will need to seek immediate medical help.

Living with spinal cord compression

If you have been diagnosed with a spinal disorder, you may need to adjust your lifestyle, to help you manage the day to day.

Low-impact movement, aerobic exercises such as swimming or walking will help maintain some strength. Practicing good posture and avoiding heavy lifting will help decrease overall stress to your spine.

Support groups and counselling may also help as your emotional health is important too. Connecting with other individuals that live with similar chronic spine conditions might be a comfort.

Closing Thoughts

Spinal cord compression can interfere with many areas of life, including independence and mobility. Understanding the warning signs related to spinal cord compression and when to seek assistance is important so that you can take actions to minimize risk and avoid damage.

Key Takeaways

Back or neck pain is often the first warning sign.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness are serious: do not ignore these signs.
Losing your balance or having difficulty walking may indicate you have nerve issues.
Bladder or bowel problems usually warrant emergency treatment.
Timely diagnosis and treatment gives the best chance of recovery.