Beware of Back Pain at Night!

Neurosurgery Specialist Op.Dr.İsmail Bozkurt gave important information about the subject. The spinal cord, which provides the electrical connection between the brain and organs, is protected by a thick membrane, just like the brain. Problems that may occur in the spinal cord, which has vital functions, can even cause paralysis of the person.

Tumors that occur in the spinal cord or in the spinal cord membrane, grow in soft tissues and affect the spinal bones are called spinal cord tumors. Depending on the size and location of spinal cord tumor, it manifests itself with different symptoms in people. The formation of cancerous cells in the spinal cord can cause serious consequences with serious problems.

Spinal cord tumors are divided into two according to the region where they occur. Outside the spinal cord and inside the spinal cord. Although it is thought that genetic factors and exposure to radiation are involved in the formation of spinal cord tumors, the exact cause is not known.

Symptoms vary according to the site of the tumor. If it is in the waist part, it causes numbness in the legs, and if it is in the neck part, it causes neck pain. However, in general, the symptoms of spinal cord tumors are;

• Severe pain in the back and sometimes in the neck and abdomen (especially at night)
• numbness, weakness, and muscle weakness in the arms and legs
• Difficulty walking
• Balance problems
• Changes in bowel function

In the diagnosis of spinal cord tumor, primarily the patient's history and neurological examination according to the symptoms that occur in people. After these, Magnetic Resonance (MR), computed tomography, direct radiography, and bone scintigraphy clarify the diagnosis of the tumor. In addition, if there is a tumor, a biopsy is performed to understand the cause of the spinal cord tumor and to determine its type.

Op.Dr.İsmail Bozkurt said, “After the treatment of spinal cord tumor, the type, size and location of the tumor are determined, the most appropriate treatment is decided for the patient. In general, surgical methods are applied, but chemotherapy and radiotherapy are applied in addition to surgical methods and depending on the situation. The sole purpose of surgery is to completely remove the tumor without causing any paralysis in the patient without damaging the spinal cord, and to re-strengthen the spine if the structure or balance of the spine is impaired. Although these surgeries are risky, our patients' surgeries are more successful with neuromonitor technology, which allows us to monitor the function of the spinal cord instantly.