Spinal Cord Compression
Spinal cord compression is a condition that results from an injury. The
bone structure of the vertebra usually protects the spine but a tumor,
or any severe lesion, may penetrate thus causing a compression. There
are many other causes that may result in spinal cord compression which
include, but are not limited to, an infection of a virus or bacteria, a
ruptured disk, an abnormality in a blood vessel or an abscess.
If the location of the compression is near the neck, it is usually
much more severe than when the location of the injury is the top lumbar
joint. The top lumbar joint in the back ends the length of the spine.
Symptoms of spinal cord injury are weakness in a muscle or muscles.
Sometimes there is pain right below the site of the injury. As
quickly as there is a possibility that an injury may be spinal cord
compression, the person should be rushed to the hospital for treatment.
If the injury shuts off blood to the brain, it must be treated
immediately to prevent brain damage or death.
Any person with symptoms of spinal cord compression, even if the
symptoms are mild, should be under the direction of a neurologist for
thorough diagnosis and most effective treatment. Treatment depends upon
the cause of spinal cord compression, but the treatment should be
promptly carried out to prevent damage to the spine that will cause
deterioration of the nervous system. Regardless of the treatment, a
healthy lifestyle of proper nutrition and exercise will be beneficial
for prevention and cure of almost all health problems. Changes in
lifestyle should not be taken without consultation with your health
provider. For more information on a healthy lifestyle, view my articles
on “Keys to the Century Mark” and “Alzheimer’s” at no charge on my
website by clicking on the link below.
