1. My Aching Back
Spinal chord compression is when the vertebra that normally protects the spinal column puts pressure on the spine or spinal nerves. When this happens, the pain is intense and often debilitating. Spinal cord compression can happen suddenly from an accident or over time from a variety of conditions. Compression that happens over time usually begins as just a simple back ache. As the symptoms worsen, people with spinal compression find little relief without medical intervention.
2. Sudden Impact
People who've never had any back pain experience pain from spinal compression due to accident or injury. This usually happens when a bone is broken or dislocated. This kind of spinal compression happens suddenly and is common in seniors. Seniors with osteoporosis have bones that break easily. Even the slightest trauma to an area of the back can result in spinal compression.
3. Time Passages
Spinal compression also happens as a result of other conditions. These conditions cause spinal compression over time and begin as minor back aches. This kind of pain or pressure often goes untreated as most people experience occasional muscle fatigue in the back and neck. A herniated disk is where one of the disks between the vertebra becomes swollen and actually protrudes between the bones. The vertebra then put pressure on the spinal column causing pain. A hematoma or bruise to the back also causes spinal compression. This can be from an accident, a sign of cancer or a blood disorder. Tumors also cause compression of the spinal column, so any recurrent back pain needs medical attention.
4. Rare But True
One rare condition that causes spinal compression is Cauda Equina Syndrome. This condition is when the bundle of nerves that runs through the spinal column, over the lower vertebra and down into the tail bone, become inflamed. This happens as a result of a ruptured or herniated disk or injury to the lower back. Pain in the lower back is the most common symptom, followed by loss of feeling in the hips and upper thighs. Some complications for this condition include loss of bladder control, erectile dysfunction and loss of feeling in the ankles. Cauda Equina Syndrome requires surgery right away.
5. Gradual Symptoms
Back pain caused by spinal cord compression may start as simple muscle fatigue in the neck and back. Recurrent back pain isn't normal for anyone, and it's important to find the source of the pain. Spinal compression in the beginning stages is treatable with physical therapy and strengthening exercises. The important thing is to get a diagnosis before the conditions worsen and you experience loss of function.
