Causes
Common Causes
- Degenerative Changes: Natural aging leads to wear and tear of spinal discs, joints, and ligaments, which can narrow the spinal canal and compress the cord
- Herniated Discs: Bulging or ruptured discs may press directly on the spinal cord
- Spinal Stenosis (Narrowing): Caused by bone spurs, thickened ligaments, degenerative disc disease, or joint degeneration, resulting in reduced space for the spinal cord
- Trauma or Injuries: Accidents or injuries can directly compress or damage the spinal cord
- Tumors: Abnormal growths in or around the spinal cord may lead to compression
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms to Watch For
- Difficulty walking or coordination problems: Common signs involving balance and gait
- Impaired hand or finger dexterity: Trouble with fine motor tasks like writing or buttoning
- Muscle weakness: Particularly in hands or arms but can affect other areas depending on spinal level
- Numbness or tingling: Sensory changes in the arms, legs, or trunk
- Neck pain (if in the cervical spine): Pain or stiffness may be present, though not always.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (rare): May occur in more severe cases
Diagnosis
How It’s Diagnosed
- Medical History & Physical Examination: Evaluating symptoms and neurological function (strength, sensation, coordination)
- Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans are used to visualize spinal cord compression and identify causes
- Electromyography (EMG): Assesses nerve and muscle function to help pinpoint involvement.
Treatment Options
Non‑surgical / Lifestyle Approaches:
- Rest and Physical Therapy: Helps maintain mobility, strength, and relieve symptoms
- Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants may be used to manage symptoms
- Bracing: In some cases, a cervical collar or brace may be used to limit motion and reduce strain when the cervical spine is involved
Advanced Treatments:
- Surgical Intervention: Recommended when symptoms are severe or conservative measures fail. Options include:
- Decompression Surgery (e.g., Laminectomy): Removing structures compressing the spinal cord
- Spinal Fusion: Stabilizes the spine after decompression to maintain alignmen