What Are The Warning Signs Of Spinal Cord Tumor?

Overview

Spinal cord tumors are not a topic we regularly discuss, but they cannot be ignored if you have one. Such growths may occur deep in the spine or around it and slowly impact your body in a way that is easy to overlook initially. Over time, they may burden important nerves and interfere with bodily functions. Moreover, spinal tumors, while uncommon, can strike patients of any age and can develop either on their own or spread from other parts of the body. So, here are the warning signs of a spinal cord tumor, which make you understand why you need early diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any warning signs, which are given below, then get expert neurological care with the best neurosurgeon doctor in Jaipur for the highly specialized diagnosis and treatment with a wealth of experience.

What is a spinal cord tumor?

A spinal cord tumor is a tumor that develops in or near the spinal cord, which is a thick bundle of nerves that relays messages between your brain and the rest of your body. Tumors can grow in a variety of locations:

• Within the spinal cord parenchyma
• In the tissues that enclose the spinal cord
• Into the bones of the spine, but not the spinal cord itself

Some spinal cord tumors are noncancerous (benign) and slow-growing, while others are cancerous (malignant) and can spread more quickly. Benign or malignant, the tumors can bear down on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves, affecting how the body moves and feels.

What are the warning signs of a spinal cord tumor?

Spotting them early is key because with prompt treatment, long-term damage can be avoided. If you find any of the below signs, then consult with Dr. Himanshu Gupta, who provides spinal cord tumor surgery in Jaipur.

Back or Neck Pain

An early and frequent sign. The pain may originate in the middle or lower back and may be anything from a dull ache to a sharp stab. It is often worse at night, when sitting or lying down, and after resting. Sometimes, pain can be referred to the arms, the legs, or the hips.

Weakness in Arms or Legs

You may find your arms or legs are no longer as strong as they once were. You might notice that it’s harder to grasp things, climb stairs, or even move around without help. This restricting weakness can be insidiously progressive.

Numbness or Tingling

You may feel tingling or “pins and needles,” burning, or complete numbness in your hands, legs, feet, or chest. It can begin on one side and spread. Your skin might even seem less sensitive to touch to heat, or cold.

Trouble walking or balancing

You might find yourself tripping more, needing to hold onto objects while walking, or having trouble footing even on level ground. Your coordination can be poor, making daily activities more difficult.

Muscle Stiffness or Spasms

You may feel tightness or jerking in your back, arms, or legs. The muscles may seem rigid, and moving, stretching, or rigid movements may be difficult.

Bladder or Bowel Problems

You may not have control over your bladder or bowels. That might be in the form of recurrent urination, leakage, or even constipation for no obvious reason.

Fatigue or Tiredness

Being tired all the time, even when you haven’t done much, can occur because the body is under stress from the pressure on the spinal cord caused by the tumor.

Paralysis (in Severe Cases)

If the tumor becomes too large, or if no treatment is offered, it can obstruct nerve signals entirely, resulting in loss of movement in the legs or even of the entire body below the site of the tumor.

The warning signs of a spinal cord tumor are different in children compared to the above signs. The signs are:

• In children, symptoms may be harder to explain.
• In very young children, the tumor can delay development, like crawling, walking, and sitting.
• More clumsiness or frequent falls
• Changes in the spine
• Toilet issues

So, if you find any of the signs in your children, then consult with a neurosurgeon in Jaipur.

Final thoughts

Your back is talking; don’t ignore it. Tumors of the spinal cord may begin quietly, but they can affect your life and your mobility deeply. The first step to healing is to listen to early warning signs. Experience the expert advice and specialized treatment of Dr. Himanshu Gupta, a neurosurgeon in Rajasthan, you can count on for accuracy, sympathy, and life-transforming outcomes. “Strong back, strong life—act before it’s too late.”