Spinal Cord Compression
Spinal cord compression is a condition in which the spinal cord is squeezed or compressed, leading to various symptoms and complications. The following are some technical terms used to describe spinal cord compression:
Myelopathy: A term used to describe any disease or condition that affects the spinal cord, including spinal cord compression.
Herniated Disc: A condition in which the soft inner material of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer, compressing the spinal cord.
Spinal Stenosis: A condition in which the spinal canal narrows, compressing the spinal cord.
Vertebral Fracture: A break or crack in one or more of the bones in the spinal column, which can compress the spinal cord.
Tumor: An abnormal growth of cells that can invade and compress the spinal cord.
Spinal Cord Injury: A traumatic injury to the spinal cord that can result in compression and damage to the spinal cord.
Degenerative Changes: Age-related changes in the spine, including degeneration of the discs and the formation of bone spurs, that can compress the spinal cord.
Spondylolisthesis: A condition in which one vertebra slides out of place, compressing the spinal cord.
Spinal cord compression can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, weakness, numbness, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Early diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord compression is essential to prevent permanent damage to the spinal cord and improve outcomes.
Causes of Spinal Cord Compression
Spinal cord compression can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are more common than others. The following are some technical terms used to describe the causes of spinal cord compression:
Herniated Disc: A condition in which the soft inner material of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer, compressing the spinal cord.
Spinal Stenosis: A condition in which the spinal canal narrows, compressing the spinal cord.
Vertebral Fracture: A break or crack in one or more of the bones in the spinal column, which can compress the spinal cord.
Tumor: An abnormal growth of cells that can invade and compress the spinal cord.
Spinal Cord Injury: A traumatic injury to the spinal cord that can result in compression and damage to the spinal cord.
Degenerative Changes: Age-related changes in the spine, including degeneration of the discs and the formation of bone spurs, that can compress the spinal cord.
Spondylolisthesis: A condition in which one vertebra slides out of place, compressing the spinal cord.
Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions, such as arthritis, that cause inflammation and swelling in the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord.
Infections: Infections in the spine, such as osteomyelitis or epidural abscess, can cause compression of the spinal cord.
Metabolic Disorders: Certain metabolic disorders, such as osteoporosis, can cause compression of the spinal cord by weakening the bones in the spinal column.
In general, spinal cord compression can be caused by a variety of factors, including degenerative changes, traumatic injuries, tumors, and other conditions. Understanding the causes of spinal cord compression is important in order to develop effective treatments and prevention strategies.
Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Cord Compression
Spinal cord compression can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the compression. The following are some technical terms used to describe the signs and symptoms of spinal cord compression:
- Radiculopathy: A term used to describe the symptoms that occur when a nerve root is compressed, including pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs.
- Myelopathy: A term used to describe the symptoms that occur when the spinal cord is compressed, including loss of sensation, weakness, and difficulty walking.
- Paraplegia: A term used to describe the loss of sensation and movement in the lower half of the body, including the legs, hips, and lower back.
- Quadriplegia: A term used to describe the loss of sensation and movement in all four limbs, as well as the trunk and torso.
- Urinary Incontinence: The inability to control the bladder, which can occur as a result of spinal cord compression.
- Bowel Incontinence: The inability to control bowel movements, which can occur as a result of spinal cord compression.
- Sensory Changes: Changes in the sense of touch, such as numbness or tingling, which can occur as a result of spinal cord compression.
- Motor Weakness: Weakness or difficulty moving the arms or legs, which can occur as a result of spinal cord compression.
- Balance Problems: Difficulty maintaining balance or coordination, which can occur as a result of spinal cord compression.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Changes in sexual function, such as impotence or decreased sexual desire, which can occur as a result of spinal cord compression.
In general, the signs and symptoms of spinal cord compression can range from mild to severe, and early diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent permanent damage to the spinal cord and improve outcomes.
Treatment for Spinal Cord Compression
Spinal cord compression can be a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. For appropriate patients, physiotherapy can be a form of treatment for spinal cord compression, and it can help to relieve pain and improve mobility.
The following are some of the physiotherapy interventions that may be used to treat spinal cord compression:
Exercise: Gentle range of motion exercises, stretching, and strengthening exercises can help to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and prevent muscle wasting.
Manual therapy: This includes techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and spinal manipulation. These techniques can help to reduce pressure on the spinal cord, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
Electrical stimulation: This involves the use of low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain and improve muscle strength.
Ultrasound therapy: This uses high-frequency sound waves to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
Hot and cold therapy: Alternating hot and cold therapy can help to reduce pain and swelling and improve mobility.
It is important to note that each case of spinal cord compression is unique, and the appropriate physiotherapy intervention will depend on the underlying cause of the compression and the severity of the symptoms. A physiotherapist can help to design a personalized treatment plan based on the individual’s needs and goals or to refer to a specialist if warranted.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a therapist about spinal cord compression please call us at 03 9836 1126.
Reference:
Liu, J., Kim, J. H., & Lee, J. H. (2018). The effects of physiotherapy on functional outcomes in patients with spinal cord compression: A randomized controlled trial. Physical Therapy in Sport