Nontraumatic spinal cord injury, part 4, Degenerative disorders of the spine

Degeneration of the spine starts at a very early age but by late middle age it may start to cause pain and limit mobility. There are a number of degenerative conditions that may lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots which will require either conservative management or surgical intervention. However, there are risks as well as benefits to surgical treatment with little reliable research evidence to identify the most appropriate approach. The role of the nurse, within an interprofessional approach to the care and management of patients with neurological disturbance due to degenerative disease includes emotional support, physical support such as pain relief, co-ordination and information provision to enable patients to make informed choices regarding their treatment.