The presence of a spinal tumor can be a potentially life threatening issue, and even when the growths are benign, they can cause a number of problems for your spinal health, so it’s imperative that they are treated as soon as possible. That’s easier said than done though, because many people aren’t aware of the symptoms of a benign spinal tumor. In today’s blog, we hope to change that by talking about some of the symptoms of benign spinal tumors.
Symptoms Of Non-Cancerous Spinal Growths
It’s impossible to know if any spinal growth is benign or cancerous until additional testing has been conducted, and each patient will experience a different degree of symptoms as a tumor is highly unique to the patient. With that said, here’s a look at some of the most common symptoms experienced by patients dealing with benign tumors in their spinal column:
- Pain in the spine
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Inhibited gait
- A visible bump or protrusion under the skin
- Bladder or bowel problems
- Balance problems
- Decreased sensitivity to pain, heat or cold
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, know that it does not mean that you’re likely dealing with a spinal tumor. Many of these symptoms mirror more common spinal conditions, like a herniated disc or a compressed spinal nerve. However, you should get to the bottom of your condition by setting up a consultation with a spine specialist.
One key indication that your spinal issue may be from a benign growth is if the above symptoms seem to come out of nowhere. If you recently strained your back or the area absorbed acute trauma, you could be dealing with pain, numbness, difficulty walking or balance issues. However, if there’s no clear explanation as to why you’d be experiencing symptoms, it’s very important that you set up a consultation with your primary care physician or a spine specialist. They’ll be able to use specialized equipment like an X-ray or MRI to generate a clear image of what’s going on in your spine. If a growth is detected, they can conduct a biopsy in order to collect a sample of the tissue for additional testing.
Although not as serious as cancerous tumors, benign tumors can wreak havoc on your spine if allowed to continue to grow, so don’t just ignore your spinal discomfort and hope that it goes away on its own. Instead, connect with a spine specialist and give yourself the best chance at a full recovery by addressing a problem while it’s in its infancy.
For more information about spinal tumors, or for help getting to the bottom of your spinal discomfort, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
