Conditions & Services
Spinal Cord Compression
Spinal cord compression is caused by any condition that puts pressure on your spinal cord. Your spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that carries messages back and forth from your brain to your muscles and other soft tissues. As your spinal cord travels down your back, it is protected by a stack of backbones called vertebrae. They also hold your body upright. The nerves of your spinal cord run through the openings between the vertebrae and out to your muscles.
What causes spinal cord compression?
Several factors can cause spinal cord compression. One of the most common causes is osteoarthritis, which develops due to wear and tear of the spine over time; this typically occurs in people over the age of 50. Other potential causes include spinal injuries, spinal tumors, certain infections and bone diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and scoliosis.
How is spinal cord compression treated?
Treatment for spinal cord compression typically involves a complete physical exam, during which your doctor will look for signs such as physical weakness, loss of sensation, and problems with reflexes. If your doctor believes you may be experiencing spinal cord compression, they may perform additional diagnostic tests, such as an x-ray, CT scan, MRI, or bone scan.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with spinal cord compression, you should see a neurosurgeon right away; your treatment may involve medicine, surgery, and/or physical therapy, depending on the severity of your symptoms. If a tumor is causing compression, you may also be given radiation therapy to reduce its size.
Managing and preventing spinal cord compression
If you are experiencing spinal cord compression, steps such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical exercise, and maintaining good posture to protect your back can help to control symptoms; if you don’t have spinal cord compression, they can also help to prevent it.
Schedule an appointment for Queens spinal cord compression treatment
You can schedule an appointment with a doctor for diagnosis or treatment of spinal cord compression in Queens at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Neurosurgery by calling (718) 206-7001.