SPINAL CORD DISORDERS

Overview: Spinal cord disorders encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the spinal cord and nerve roots, including degenerative diseases, trauma, tumors, infections, and inflammatory conditions. These disorders can cause pain, weakness, numbness, and loss of function.

Common Spinal Cord Disorders

• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of spinal canal compressing nerve roots
• Herniated Disc: Protrusion of intervertebral disc material
• Myelopathy: Dysfunction of spinal cord
• Spinal Cord Injury: Trauma-related damage to spinal cord
• Syringomyelia: Fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) within spinal cord
• Tethered Spinal Cord: Abnormal attachment of spinal cord
• Spinal Tumors: Benign or malignant growths in or around spinal cord
• Spinal Infections: Discitis, osteomyelitis, epidural abscess

Symptoms

• Back or neck pain
• Radiating pain into limbs
• Weakness or paralysis
• Numbness or tingling
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Sexual dysfunction
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• Loss of fine motor control

Diagnosis

• MRI of spine (primary imaging)
• CT scan
• X-rays
• Myelography (contrast-enhanced imaging)
• EMG/NCS (electrophysiology testing)
• Blood tests
• Spinal tap (if infection suspected)

Treatment Options

• Conservative Treatment:
  • Rest and activity modification
  • Physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Epidural steroid injections
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Pain management
• Surgical Intervention:
  • Decompression (laminectomy, foraminotomy)
  • Fusion (stabilization of spine)
  • Tumor removal
  • Minimally invasive techniques
• Rehabilitation:
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Adaptive equipment training
  • Psychological support