Having a hard time dealing with spinal cord pain? Let’s get a clear idea of the common symptoms of spinal cord pain, various tests that may be conducted for its diagnosis and the subsequent treatment options available to you.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Pain
Spinal cord pain that radiates into the hands, arms, legs, chest, etc., is a major cause of concern and requires immediate medical attention to ensure quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The most common symptoms of spinal cord pain include:
- Unable to keep a normal posture because of pain and stiffness
- Experiencing muscle spasms at rest or while performing an activity
- Stiffness in the lower back region, leading to a decreased range of motion
- Pain radiating into the hands and legs
- Numbness and tingling sensation in the arms
Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Pain
Spinal cord pain that persists beyond 4 weeks is usually due to an underlying condition that needs to be diagnosed. Following are some of the common diagnostic tests prescribed by doctors for detecting the reason behind any spinal cord pain.
X-Ray
An x-ray of the spine can display the vertebrae structure and the outline of joints, helping doctors identify potential reasons behind the spinal cord pain which can include fractures, tumours, infections, etc.
MRI
With the help of an MRI, doctors can examine the spinal cord, nerve roots and nearby regions to identify any signs of degeneration, enlargement or tumours. Moreover, an MRI with contrast can help diagnose infections and new compression fractures without any spinal displacement.
CT Scan With 3D Reconstruction
This diagnostic test generates images that display bony detail in a much-enhanced manner than any other scan, all while showing nerves and soft tissue for accurate diagnosis.
Electromyography or Nerve Conduction Velocity Testing
Also referred to as EMG/NCV testing, these are electrodiagnostic tests that help calculate the electrical activity of nerves and muscles. These tests assist in detecting the location of a pinched/compressed nerve that may be causing the spinal cord pain.
Treatments for Spinal Cord Pain
A mild form of spinal cord pain is generally a result of muscle sprains or strains and can be successfully treated with heat and ice therapy combined with adequate rest. Physical therapy may also help in some cases.
However, spinal cord pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks necessitates medical intervention to detect the cause behind it. Irrespective of the scan results and the underlying condition detected, you will have 2 treatment options to choose from: Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment.
Surgical Treatment
As the name suggests, surgical treatment involves surgery which is only recommended as a last resort if medication and other therapies have proven to be ineffective. However, every surgical procedure comes with a lot of potential risks, complications and side effects such as:
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Dural tear
- Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
- Sores on the face and vision loss
- Symptoms that are repetitive/persisting
- Nerve injury and paralysis
- Death
Non-Surgical Treatment
Before opting for surgery, other non-surgical options should be considered. These include medications, injections, massage therapy and stretching exercises. In cases of spinal disc-related conditions, the advanced non-surgical spinal decompression offers to treat the underlying cause and provide long-lasting relief.
About ANSSI:
ANSSI Wellness focuses on improving the quality of life for patients suffering from spinal issues, aiming to provide relief where other conventional treatments have failed. Through advanced non-surgical spinal decompression treatment, ANSSI is committed to helping patients avoid surgery and recover in a safe, effective, and compassionate environment.
