What are the treatment options for spinal cord compression?

Compression can press on the spinal cord or nearby nerves, affecting pain, strength, sensation, and bladder or bowel control. Doctors usually assess you urgently and use imaging to find the level and cause. They consider whether the spine is stable, whether a tumour is sensitive to radiotherapy, your general health, and your neurological symptoms.

Steroid medicine may reduce swelling around the spinal cord while the team arranges definitive treatment. Palliative radiotherapy can target tumour-related compression and may help with pain or nerve symptoms. Surgery may relieve pressure, stabilise the spine, or remove tissue when an operation is suitable.

Treat new or worsening neurological symptoms as urgent. Avoid walking unaided if your legs feel weak or unsteady, and tell the team about back pain that changes with movement, numbness, leg weakness, falls, or changes in bladder or bowel control. Bring medication details and cancer records if they are available, but do not delay assessment to collect them.

Learn more about [Palliative Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/palliative-radiotherapy/) and [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/) as possible parts of care.

Go to emergency care immediately for new leg weakness, difficulty standing or walking, numbness around the inner thighs or buttocks, loss of bladder or bowel control, or rapidly worsening back pain with nerve symptoms. These changes can progress and need same-day medical assessment.

Where is the compression and what is causing it? Is my spine stable? Should I start steroid medicine now? Would radiotherapy or surgery give the quickest relief? How should I move safely, and what rehabilitation or equipment might I need?