Treating spinal cord compression resulting from secondary bone cancer

A common place for a secondary bone cancer to occur is the spine. This often causes back pain. If this affects you, your doctors will make sure you have painkillers to relieve any discomfort.

Less often, the cancer can cause pressure on the nerves in the spine. This is known as spinal cord compression| and can cause symptoms, such as:

• weakness in the legs
• numbness or pins and needles in your toes or fingers
• strange sensations
• problems passing urine
• constipation or problems controlling your bowels.

If you develop any of these symptoms it's important to let your doctor know as soon as possible. If you have spinal cord compression, treatment is needed straight away to relieve the pressure and prevent permanent damage to the nerves.

High doses of steroids| are used to reduce the swelling and pressure around the spine. This is often followed by radiotherapy to shrink the cancer and reduce the pressure. Sometimes surgery| may be used to relieve pain and strengthen the spine. The dose of steroids will be gradually reduced after the radiotherapy| or surgery.

We have separate information about steroids| and their possible side effects. We also have information on spinal cord compression|.