Symptoms of Spinal Cord Tumors

The spinal cord contains bundles of nerves that carry messages between the brain and the body. Because the spinal cord is rigidly encased in bone, any tumor that grows on or near it can compress the nerves, and interfere in this communication.

When the tumor presses on the spinal cord, it causes symptoms including:

  • Back pain
  • Severe or burning pain in other parts of the body
  • Numbness or cold
  • Progressive loss of muscle strength or sensation in the legs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

A tumor in the top of the spinal column can cause pain radiating from the arms or neck; a tumor in the lower spine may cause leg or back pain. If there are several tumors in different areas of the spinal cord at the same time, a patient may exhibit symptoms in several areas of the body.

For more information on our neuro-oncology services, please call (727) 461-8635.

The Neurosciences Institute 
at Ptak Orthopaedic & Neuroscience Pavilion
430 Morton Plant Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 461-8635