Category: Spine | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: November 19, 2025
Your spinal cord is one of the most important structures in your body, and as such, it needs to be well protected. Aside from being housed within the spinal canal, the spinal cord is also surrounded by a protective membrane called the thecal sac. This membrane acts as a protective sheath filled with cerebrospinal fluid, and it plays a key role in the health of your spinal cord. Below, we take a closer look at what happens if the thecal sac becomes compressed or damaged, and how to treat the problem.
Thecal Sac Compression And Symptoms
The thecal membrane is a double-layered membrane that extends from the base of your skull to the second sacral vertebrae, and it helps the spinal cord in many ways. The cerebrospinal fluid within the membrane acts as a cushion for the spinal cord, protecting it from direct or repetitive trauma, and this fluid is also filled with nutrients that the spinal cord needs to function properly. Given the key role it plays, it’s clear that damage to the protective thecal sac could cause major problems for your spine.
Oftentimes damage to the thecal sac is the result of related injuries within the spine. For example, a herniated disc can compress the thecal sac, as can conditions like spinal stenosis, fractures or a spinal tumor. Acute and direct trauma can damage the thecal sac or the spinal cord as well.
In most instances, thecal sac compression is the result of a slower-developing spinal condition like a shifted spinal disc or spinal stenosis. In these instances, symptom onset may be more gradual, but make no mistake, they are unlikely to resolve on their own without proactive treatment aimed at the underlying cause. Common symptoms of thecal sac compression include:
- Back pain
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Difficulty walking or moving your arms
- Incontinence
It’s imperative that you work to address thecal sac compression in its infancy, as the condition can progress and cause major symptoms, including significant or permanent bladder dysfunction or mobility restrictions.
Treating Thecal Sac Compression
If you’re noticing that it’s getting harder to walk normally or you’re experiencing numbness or bladder issues, know that the problem could be tied to spinal cord and thecal sac compression, and you should seek help quickly. Treatment will be based on your underlying cause, and oftentimes will begin with conservative treatments like physical therapy, weight loss and controlled exercise to help take pressure off the membrane.
More severe cases, or those that do not respond well to conservative care, will be referred to a spine surgeon. The specific surgery recommended will be based on your unique situation, as a discectomy may be recommended for patients dealing with a herniated disc, whereas a laminectomy may be the preferred option for patients dealing with spinal stenosis. Other types of excision procedures may be the standard protocol for patients dealing with bone spurs, a tumor or some other growths that are causing the compression. Most of these procedures have very high rates of success, but it’s imperative to try and resolve the issue in an earlier stage so that surgery does not become warranted.
Minnesota Spine Specialist – Dr. Stefano Sinicropi
Relieving the compression can help to alleviate spinal cord pressure and related symptoms, but some symptoms can persist if the membrane was damaged as a result of prolonged irritation. Again, the message of this blog is that swift treatment is essential if you’re hoping to fully overcome the challenges caused by thecal sac compression. Don’t just assume that leg weakness or numb legs are a normal part of getting older. It could be a sign of thecal sac compression, and a quick diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan is needed for best results.
For more information about thecal sac compression, or for assistance overcoming a different spine issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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