Long Term Effects of Spinal Cord Compression
Your spinal health affects every part of your body from head to toe both physically and mentally. This is why when it comes to the importance of spinal care and its role in your overall health cannot be overstated.
Whether from daily wear and tear or injury, spinal compression occurs from any condition that puts pressure on the spinal cord. Today we’re taking a look at the long term effects of spinal cord compression, including potential lasting effects if left untreated.
As always, consult your primary care physician before beginning any treatment to ensure it’s safe for you to do so.
What Is Spinal Compression?
The effects of spinal cord compression come from any excess pressure put on your spinal cord and can be caused by a number of catalysts. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves connecting your brain to your muscles and other soft tissue. It’s protected along your back by vertebrae, which also help hold your body in the upright position. Nerves along the spinal column go through openings between vertebrae and out to the muscles in your body.
What Causes Spinal Compression?
So what causes spinal compression and where does it occur? The effects of spinal cord compression can happen anywhere from your neck down to your lower back. One of the most common causes is simply daily wear and tear on your spine which causes it to compress. Even gravity itself has an effect on spinal compression and can cause you to shrink between ½ and ¾ inches in a day!
A common cause of back pain, spinal compression can also be the result of many types of injuries. Spinal injuries can be very serious and have long term effects if left untreated so it’s crucial you have them evaluated by your healthcare professional immediately.
Some common causes of the effects of spinal cord compression include:
- Spinal misalignment (including conditions like scoliosis)
- Arthritis pain
- Common infections
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Bone spurs
The most common cause of spinal compression resulting in back pain is from back injuries. These can be injuries from a car crash, improper lifting, sports injuries, or any number of other catalysts. Learning ways that may help spinal decompression at home like using a zero gravity chair can make a world of difference providing pain relief and faster bodily healing. They may provide effective methods for how to treat a herniated disc, treating swollen joints, improving blood circulation for faster healing, and a multitude of other health benefits!
Negative Effects of Spinal Cord Compression
Now that we’ve learned what spinal compression is and what can cause it, let’s take a look at the effects of spinal cord compression on your body. Symptoms of spinal cord compression can develop slowly or happen quickly (in instances such as back injuries). Infections or age-related diseases tend to take more time to show symptoms while actions like improper lifting could bring pain immediately.
Some effects of spinal cord compression include:
- Neck and back pain or stiffness
- Sciatic nerve pain
- Numbness or cramping in the arms, hands, or legs
- Loss of feeling in feet
- Sexual performance issues
With simple treatments, many spinal cord compression symptoms can be remedied without surgery. Left untreated, however, some long term effects of spinal compression may also include more serious health issues such as cauda equina syndrome, which could result in incontinence or even paralysis.
Another effect of spinal cord compression can be pain from sitting too long or difficulty being able to get in and out of a chair. This reduction in mobility can not only be painful but is detrimental to your quality of life. This is all the more reason to consult your doctor about ways to treat spinal compression and find relief.
Non-Surgical Spinal Cord Compression Treatment Options
Does spinal compression require surgical correction? Sometimes it may, but often you may find that natural spinal decompression treatments can help resolve the issue.
One of the most potentially effective tools for how to treat spinal compression is a zero gravity chair. Traditional recliners may inadvertently exacerbate the effects of spinal cord compression by concentrating pressure on the lower back and pelvic regions. Zero gravity chairs are better for your body as the zero gravity position evenly distributes your weight along your body and alleviates this pressure.
You may also want to try zero gravity chair spinal decompression for sciatica symptoms, a common source of pain when it comes to spinal cord compression. Sciatic nerve pain from spinal compression can result in sharp pains extending anywhere from your arms down through your legs. The potential benefits of zero gravity chairs for sciatica make them a must have!
Other non-surgical treatments for spinal cord compression may include items like spinal decompression stretches, low-impact activities like yoga and tai chi, and specific exercises such as bar hangups and foam roller backbends.
As you’ve now learned, the long term effects of spinal cord compression may be avoided with proper treatments and tools like zero gravity chairs. Choose a zero gravity chair that fits your needs and see how they may help provide pain relief and effective methods for spinal decompression at home! As always, consult your doctor about any injuries and before starting any treatments to insure it’s safe for you to do so.
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