What Are the Warning Signs of Spinal Cord Compression—And How Is It Treated?

Your spinal cord is the main pathway for communication between your brain and the rest of your body. When something compresses it—whether due to a tumor, herniated disc, injury, or degenerative disease—it can cause serious and sometimes irreversible damage.

At IGEA Brain, Spine, Pain and Orthopedics, we encourage early evaluation and intervention when spinal cord compression is suspected. Recognizing the signs early can make a critical difference in recovery.

What Is Spinal Cord Compression?

Spinal cord compression happens when pressure is placed on the spinal cord from surrounding structures. This can occur gradually (from arthritis or spinal stenosis) or suddenly (from trauma or a tumor). Compression can affect nerves, movement, and organ function—sometimes severely.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Compression

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Bone spurs or arthritis
• Tumors (benign or cancerous)
• Infections or abscesses
• Fractures or trauma to the spine

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Symptoms of spinal cord compression can vary depending on where the pressure occurs—cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back)—but common signs include:

• Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
• Weakness in the limbs
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Pain or stiffness in the neck or back
• Loss of coordination or fine motor skills
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction, including urgency or incontinence (in severe cases)

If symptoms appear suddenly or worsen rapidly, it’s considered a medical emergency.

How Is Spinal Cord Compression Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves:

• A physical and neurological exam
• Imaging tests such as MRI, CT scan, or X-rays
• Blood tests if infection is suspected

At IGEA, we use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the location and severity of the compression to create an individualized treatment plan.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of compression. Options may include:

• Medications – such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Spinal injections – for pain management in milder cases
• Surgery – to relieve pressure on the spinal cord in moderate to severe cases

Surgical procedures may involve removing bone, disc material, or tumors that are compressing the spinal cord. In some cases, spinal fusion may be used to stabilize the spine.

Early Treatment, Better Outcomes

The sooner spinal cord compression is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of preventing permanent nerve damage. Delaying care can lead to long-term disability or loss of function.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that could indicate spinal cord compression, don’t wait.

Contact IGEA Brain, Spine, Pain and Orthopedics to schedule a thorough evaluation and get expert guidance on next steps.