What to expect from palliative radiotherapy for spinal cord compression

Spinal cord compression occurs when cancer affects the spine and presses on the spinal cord or nearby nerves. The assessment may include a neurological examination and urgent imaging. You may be advised to keep your spine supported or limit movement while the team decides the safest plan.

Radiotherapy is directed at the affected spinal level. A treatment team may also use corticosteroids to reduce swelling, and surgery may be discussed when it is suitable. The goal is to relieve pressure, protect nerve function and ease pain; recovery of weakness or bladder symptoms is not always immediate.

Treat new back pain with weakness, altered sensation or walking difficulty as an emergency, especially if you have known cancer. Do not drive yourself if your legs are weak or you feel unsafe. Follow instructions about movement, transfers, braces and medicines, and tell staff if pain changes while you wait.

During treatment, explain whether lying flat increases pain and ask for positioning support. Afterward, use the mobility plan provided and attend review appointments so strength, sensation, pain and bladder or bowel function can be checked.

Seek emergency care immediately for new or worsening leg weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to pass urine. Sudden severe back pain, a fall, or rapidly increasing pain also needs urgent assessment. Do not wait for a routine radiotherapy appointment.

Where is the compression, and what did the scan show? Should I have surgery, steroids or radiotherapy first? What movement is safe? How will you monitor walking, sensation and bladder function?