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Painkillers
Painkillers may be necessary for back pain that can be severe at times. If morphine-based treatment is used, something to control the resulting constipation will be necessary and often something to control nausea will also be needed.

Physiotherapy
If there is any significant weakness in the limbs, physiotherapy can help to improve power, co-ordination and balance (e.g. with exercises). This will maximise the speed and extent of recovery, ensuring that independence is regained as soon as possible. Even when there is complete paralysis of a limb, moving the limb is important. This ensures that the joints do not become stiff.

Sometimes, special techniques can be used to compensate for a paralysis which allows a degree of movement to be produced and aspects of mobility and independence to be maintained, e.g. getting in and out of bed and using a wheelchair. Paralysis, even if incomplete, may be associated with stiffness in the limbs.This is called spasticity. Legs may tend to jump in bed and may be difficulty to move. Drugs can be given to reduce stiffness and spasm, e.g. Baclofen (Lioresil). These drugs, especially when used in conjunction with regular gentle stretching of the muscles involved, can improve mobility and comfort.

Occupational therapy
Where activities such as personal independence are affected, e.g. washing, dressing and feeding, an occupational therapist will be asked to assess and advise on the best way to overcome the problem. All that may be required is a small piece of equipment or adaptation to make the activity easy. Sometimes, alterations in the home or at work are required to ensure ease of access, e.g. hand rail, ramps etc. If additional assistance is required, the occupational therapist will enlist the support of the local social services department who may be able to provide practical help to both the family and patient.

Bladder and bowel management
If there are problems with bladder control, a urinary catheter may be required to prevent leakage.When the bladder malfunctions, there are often problems with bowel function as well and ‘training’ the bowel may be necessary to ensure regular motions.

Social services
Social Services are an important part of the multidisciplinary team. They work very closely with other agencies and occupational therapists to ensure that the appropriate level of support is provided especially in the home.They also have access to information on a wide range of topics such as benefits and support groups in your area.They can be contacted either directly, by your family or through any member of the healthcare team.

Skin care
Any numb areas will be susceptible to pressure sores as pressure will not be felt. If there is severe weakness, regular and frequent turning with attention to pressure areas is important to prevent sores forming.The skin must be kept clean and dry to maintain good condition.This sort of nursing care is quite demanding and may be difficult to undertake at home. However, there are specially designed cushions and beds available to help prevent pressure sores, which can make home care easier.

Research
Sometimes there is an option for people with spinal tumours to join a research trial of treatments.Trials are set up to test whether new treatments will be more effective than the standard treatment against which they are compared. People enter a trial on a strictly voluntary basis and participation should offer an opportunity for treatment that is thought to be at least as good as the standard treatment on offer. Sometimes, the side effects of the new treatment are not yet well worked out, which is the main drawback of involvement in treatment trials.

Complementary therapies
Some people find complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage or aromatherapy helpful. It may be useful to check with the doctors and nurses responsible for your treatment that these therapies are safe to use alongside your standard treatment.