Spinal Cord Compression: Symptoms, Causes & Emergency Treatment

By Dashvanth Healthcare Medical Team · Reviewed by our specialists · East Delhi

What Is Spinal Cord Compression?

Spinal cord compression (SCC) occurs when the spinal cord is squeezed by a herniated disc, tumour, haematoma, abscess, or fractured vertebra. Unlike nerve root compression (which is painful but not immediately dangerous), true spinal cord compression can cause permanent paralysis if not treated promptly.

Warning Signs — Act Immediately

• Rapidly progressive weakness in arms or legs
• Numbness spreading up the body
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (urinary retention or incontinence)
• Difficulty walking — unsteady, scissor gait
• Electric shock sensation down the spine with neck flexion (Lhermitte's sign — in cervical cord compression)

Common Causes

• Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (most common non-traumatic cause)
• Disc herniation compressing the cord (not just a nerve root)
• Metastatic cancer (especially lung, breast, prostate)
• Epidural abscess or haematoma
• Trauma with fracture-dislocation

Diagnosis & Emergency Management

Emergency MRI confirms the level and cause. Steroid injection (dexamethasone) reduces oedema. Surgical decompression is often needed urgently — within hours for traumatic SCC, within 24–48 hours for malignant SCC.