Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooSpinal Tumor
Low Back & Pelvis
What It Is
Spinal tumors are cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign) growths that develop within or close to the spinal cord or the bones that make up the spine (AANS, 2024). Even though back pain is the most common symptom of these tumors, it is also a common problem in people who don't have a tumor. Most of the time, back pain isn't caused by a tumor, and that makes tumors difficult to diagnose (UHCW, 2025).
Spinal tumors can affect the nerves near the tumor, which can lead to pain, a range of neurological problems and even paralysis (AANS, 2024). Whether cancerous or not, spinal tumors are serious and can cause permanent disability.
How to Diagnose a Spinal Tumour
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or medical team
Tips
- Ask a friend or family member to go with you to your appointments so you don't miss any important information about treatment.
- If you have weakness in your limbs, physiotherapy can help improve power, coordination and balance (UHCW, 2025). I can help with strength and balance work too, within your medical team's limits. See the My Approach tab for how I work.
- Eat a diet packed with vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
- Make sure you are getting enough rest.
Treatment
My Approach
Spinal tumours are treated by your medical team, and massage doesn't treat the tumour. I work alongside them to help you feel more comfortable, ease muscle tension, and keep you as active as you safely can. During active cancer treatment and after surgery, I need your team's okay before any hands-on treatment.
Please bring any X-ray or scan reports and notes from your medical team to your first visit. They're an important part of planning safe treatment for you.
Each visit starts with your pain, energy and any recent treatment. I assess how you move and check the feeling, reflexes and strength in your arms and legs.
Gentle, Adapted Care
- Light pressure, keeping away from the tumour site, recent surgical areas and skin recently treated with radiotherapy
- No forceful joint work or springing of the spine
- Well-supported positions, shorter sessions on tired days, and slow, relaxing massage with breathing and relaxation
Recovery and Strength
What to Expect
Typical Course
What I Focus On
Please read
When to See a Doctor First
Signs That Need Urgent Help
Call 911 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital if you have back pain with pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs, loss of feeling around your genitals or bottom, or changes in your bladder or bowels (NHS, 2026). Increasing numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs is especially important to report if you have had cancer before (UHCW, 2025).
Sources
References
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons (2024) Spinal tumors. Available at: https://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/spinal-tumors/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (2025) Spinal tumours. Available at: https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/download/clientfiles/files/Patient%20Information%20Leaflets/Trauma%20and%20Neuro%20services/Neurosurgery/Spinal%20tumours.pdf (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- NHS (2026) Back pain. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/ (Accessed: 8 October 2026).