Spinal Cord Tumours and Their Impact on Mobility: What You Need to Know
Spinal tumours are anomalous growths that progress around or within the spine. While they differ in severity, nature, and everything in between, they can have a negative impact on an individual’s overall mobility. In line with this, it should be noted that the degree of impairment may vary depending on a number of factors: size, location, type, growth rate, etc.
This write-up aims to explore how spine tumours negatively impact mobility, symptoms of tumour on the spine, related symptoms like spinal cord compression, and available treatment options that are focused on restoring the said ability.
What is the Spine’s Role in Mobility?
The spine plays a crucial role in mobility in the sense that it acts as a crucial communication pathway between the brain together with other parts of the body. In line with this, it is in charge of transmitting signals that are in charge of movement, sensation, and a myriad of other functions.
Putting the said factors into consideration, disruptions in the form of spinal tumours can have a negative effect on the said signals and consequently impair mobility.
How do Spinal Tumours Affect Mobility?
Spinal tumours negatively affect mobility in many ways, and some of the most notable ones are elaborated below:
- Spinal cord compression
As a tumour grows and becomes fully developed, it can put inappropriate amounts of pressure on the spine and/or nerve roots. This, in turn, disrupts the transmission of nerve signals. Spinal cord compression, especially if not immediately addressed, may lead to numbness, weakness, tingling, loss of coordination, and so on.
- Weak bones
Spinal tumours can weaken the bones and can make them susceptible to fractures. This can eventually lead to pain, discomfort, instability, and the like. Such a development can further compromise mobility and hinder quality of life.
- Inflammation
Some spine tumours can lead to inflammation in the surrounding tissues, which can have a detrimental effect on mobility by hampering neurological function.
Surgical Treatment for Spinal Tumours
Most of the time, a surgery that is performed by a Singapore neurosurgeon is the primary treatment option for spine tumours. This is most true for those that lead to spinal cord compression or neurological symptoms.
The said medical professional is highly skilled when it comes to utilising cutting-edge technologies as well as techniques to remove spine tumours and minimise the risk of deteriorating nerves and spinal cord.
Depending on the tumour’s location as well as attributes, different surgical methods may be performed. The long list includes the following:
- Minimally invasive surgery
This approach is characterised by miniature incisions as well as less disturbance to surrounding tissues. If properly performed by a reputable surgeon, it may result in fast recovery times as well as reduced complications.
- Open surgery
Compared to minimally-invasive surgeries that are usually miniature in size, open surgery requires larger openings to operate and may require longer hospital stays for recovery. The latter is necessary for bigger and more complicated cases of spine tumours.
- Spinal stabilisation
If a tumour has weakened the vertebrae of the spinal cord, a Singapore neurosurgeon may perform specialised medical procedures such as instrumentation and spinal fusion to sustain the spine.
Post-operative care
After surgery, the said medical practitioner is going to closely monitor a patient’s recovery and afterward deliver the required care: pain management, rehabilitation, wound care, and others.
He or she may also coordinate as well as work hand in hand with other healthcare professionals to effectively and safely address neurological issues and consequently enhance mobility as well as function.
Summing up
Spinal tumours, particularly those that include spinal cord compression are chronic conditions that can lead to serious mobility issues, especially if neglected. With that in mind, it can be said that early detection as well as immediate treatment that is delivered by tried and tested Singapore neurosurgeon practitioners is essential when it comes to preserving mobility and overall body function.