Physical Problems Associated With Spinal Compression: Understanding the Nature of Spinal Compression

Spinal compression can lead to associated, physical problems that are difficult for doctors to diagnose. Part of the problem has to do with nerve blockage or interference of nerves, in conjunction with disk or bone damage that may not be immediately evident or identifiable. Understanding the nature of spinal compression may prove beneficial with respect to finding answers for persistent physical problems.   

  

What is spinal compression?

The MedTerms dictionary suggests spinal compression is “the act of exerting an abnormal amount of pressure on the spinal cord” and that spinal compression may be “due to a fracture of the spine or a tumor pressing on the spinal cord”. Collapse of the spinal column frequently results in spinal compression and pressure on the nerves protected by the spinal cord. This occurs in disease processes like osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.

Physical problems associated with spinal compression may be evident immediately, as in sciatica resulting from a lower back injury, but depending upon the extent and severity of the spinal compression, symptoms may not always be evident immediately. For example, nerve damage from spinal compression can occur in conjunction with abnormal pressure exerted on the nerves related to the function of various body organs, where the symptoms can vary considerably.

Physical problems are often evident with respect to mobility and limb function when there is spinal compression. For example, a patient may have difficulty bending or using his or her limbs. Brain damage may be apparent when there is a severe blow to the head, with resulting compression of bones in the neck. Other kinds of physical problems may be immediately evident when compression results from injuries sustained in sports, cycling or motor vehicle accidents.  Whip lash and other types of compression injuries to the neck, as well as back injuries of any kind, can result in physical problems from misalignment of the spine.

Damage to nerves accompanying compression of spinal cord can cause physical symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling or circulatory impairment. Not all physical symptoms are immediately evident after spinal compression, as there can be internal problems related to function of body organs. Spinal compression may occur in conjunction with chips of bones exerting pressure on nerves. This may cause immediate pain or pain that is only evident when a patient moves a certain way. The patient may complain of intermittent twinges of sharp pain with accompanying difficulty sitting, standing and walking.

A complete physical exam is important when there are physical problems associated with spinal compression. Spinal r-rays will often confirm spinal collapse, compression of disks and pressure on nerves. At times, a chiropractic adjustment may help to resolve spinal problems associated with misalignment. Appropriate exercises may help to strengthen muscles in such a way that body alignment is improved or corrected. Nutritional deficiencies may be correctable with appropriate dietary supplementation. 

Physiotherapy may be beneficial for compression of the spine. Surgical intervention may be required for severe, spinal compression or the removal of bone chips that are exerting pressure on nerves.

While each medical situation is different, seeking professional medical advice for physical problems associated with spinal compression is advisable.