What is it about?
Primary spinal tumors such as schwannomas are uncommon causes of back pain that can be easily missed during the initial workup. Delayed diagnosis is associated with further neurological impairment.
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Why is it important?
This case reinforces the urgent need for early MRI in the presence of neurological deficits and other symptoms, despite normal radiographs. An increased suspicion of spinal tumors can prevent delays in diagnosis and minimize adverse outcomes. Multidisciplinary care optimizes the treatment of complex cases.
Perspectives
A 46-year-old man presented with a six-month history of progressive lower back pain and left leg radiculopathy. Previous treatments failed, including medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulations. Examination revealed weakness (4/5) in left knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 2-cm intraspinal schwannoma at the L4 level with nerve root compression. The patient underwent laminectomy and gross total resection without any complications.
Dr Eric Chun-Pu Chu
New York Medical Group
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Importance of Early Detection of Spinal Tumors Through Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chiropractic Practices, Cureus, January 2024, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51440.
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