Common causes of persistent back pain include muscle strain, disc problems, and arthritis. Some symptoms, however, may require more serious medical care. Tumors in the spine are rare, but they can develop in the vertebrae or spinal cord or in nearby nerves. Early evaluation can help to diagnose the cause and preserve neurological function.
An important red flag is back pain that continues or gets worse after a month without any known injury. The pain from a spinal tumor may intensify at night or when lying down. It can also spread from the back to arms, legs, chest or hips. Persistent pain that does not go away following normal pain treatment should not be disregarded.
Adjustments to sensation may need to be made also. If a tumor presses on nearby nerves, the arms, legs, hands, and feet may feel numb, tingle, or burn, or have decreased sensitivity. Loss of strength in the muscles, problems walking, problems with balance, or frequent falls may be a sign of even higher pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
More severe symptoms involve incontinence, urinary or bowel retention, or marked weakness or numbness around the genital area. The following symptoms may be a sign of compression of the spinal cord or nerves and should be assessed urgently.
If a person has any symptoms for which they are not sure if they are due to regular back pain, the person should seek the advice of a qualified specialist. A best spine neurosurgeon Kolkata can evaluate the symptoms and suggest suitable tests to be performed, which may include neurological examination and MRI.
The treatment will be based on the type of tumor, its location and size, symptoms and overall health. Treatment could involve monitoring, surgery, radiation therapy, medication or a combination of therapy, depending on the diagnosis.
Patients looking for spine tumor treatment in India can avail of Multidisciplinary treatment by a neurosurgeon, Oncologist, Radiation oncologist and Rehabilitation experts. Spine tumor surgery in Kolkata is a surgical procedure that may be recommended to remove the tumor, alleviate pressure or stabilize the spine, in suitable cases.
Depending on the type of tumor and the patient, the possibility of cure of spine tumors depends. Early diagnosis can enhance the chance for preserving mobility and nerve function.
Patients can visit a top spine neurosurgeon India to get a better understanding of their diagnosis and determine what treatment is best suited to them. Treat persistent or worsening spine symptoms with caution, particularly if there is associated weakness, numbness, trouble walking or bladder/bowel issues.
