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Staying Healthy All Year Around

Everyone wants to be healthy. Unfortunately, unless you take active steps to maintain your health, as you get older, it is likely to deteriorate. I discovered this the hard way. For many years, I avoided visiting the doctor and I didn't really pay attention to my diet. As a result, I developed a number of medical conditions. Thankfully, the staff at my local healthcare clinic were able to help me to recover. From the moment I called and booked my first appointment, to the day of my surgery, the doctors and nurses supported me and explained every step of the treatment plan. I hope you like my blog.

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Staying Healthy All Year Around

Can Spinal Pain Be Caused by a Tumor?

by Samuel Henderson

Spinal pain is a common condition that usually goes after some time. However, some back pains last for long and can cause severe discomfort. Spinal pains don't always warrant a visit to a health care clinic, but if you are in distress, do not hesitate to see a doctor. Apparently, the pain could be a symptom of a serious medical condition like spinal tumors.

Spinal tumors expand or widen the spinal column bone, hence, causing instability in the spine and compression of nerves. Spinal tumors are dangerous and have to be addressed with priority. They can potentially lead to paralysis, neurological issues, and death.

Here are other symptoms of spinal tumors:

  • Pain that spreads to other parts of the body, mainly the legs and arms
  • Incapacitation to a point where you can hardly walk
  • Weakness in the muscles. People with spinal tumors will normally experience progressive numbness in the arms and legs.
  • Poor functioning of your bowels and bladder
  • Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness

In some cases, the condition can affect your sensitivity to pain and extreme temperatures. People with spinal pains that result from tumors will usually experience heightened levels of pain at night. Spinal tumors can also result in nerve damage, and this might be permanent. However, the tumors are diagnosed early, doctors can prevent further damage to the nerves. Aggressive treatment of the condition can even reverse the effects of the tumor on your nervous system.

Spinal tumors don't have to originate from the spine. They can develop anywhere and spread to the spine. For this reason, if you have a history of a different type of cancer, see a doctor on the onset of serious back pains. For men, spinal tumors usually originate from the prostate or lungs.

Also, if anyone in your family has a medical history of spinal tumors, you might run a higher risk of developing the condition. Spinal tumors are linked to defective genes and inherited syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Besides spinal tumors, pain in the back may be caused by kidney or spinal infections. Your doctor will recommend antibiotics that cure these infections. Car accidents and other traumatizing situations can also cause fractures in the spine and eventually back pains.

Spinal pains can be fatal when left unattended. When seeking medical attention, choose reputable and professional orthopedic surgeons who are ready to discuss their treatment plans with you. They could even let you choose one if multiple plans are available.  

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