Below you will find in depth guidance to help in the management of patients diagnosed with MSCC, from initial management to rehabilitation and discharge.

• Overview of the management of metastatic spinal cord compression due to cancer [PDF, 188KB]
• Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) alert: guide to early recognition and rapid response (Primary Care) (2020) [PDF, 708KB]
• When you should seek urgent help for your back pain? - external animated video from Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists

Patient information leaflets

Information has been developed for patients and can be accessed on our MSCC resources page.

Investigation and management of spinal cord compression

• Guidelines for investigations (2024) [PDF, 140KB]
• Guidelines for assessment of spinal stability (2024) [PDF, 261KB]
• Protocol for assessment and management of spinal braces or hard cervical collars (2024) [PDF, 204KB]
• Aspen Vista cervical collar fitting leaflet (2020) [PDF, 444KB]
• Guidelines for surgical referral and management (2024) [PDF, 198KB]
• Guidelines for radiation therapy (2024) [PDF, 120KB]

Symptomatic and supportive care

• Guidelines on steroid use (2024) [PDF, 208KB]
• Guidelines on pain management (2024) [PDF, 139KB]
• Guidelines on management of bowel function (2024) [PDF, 182KB]
• Guidelines on thromboprophylaxis (2024) [PDF, 105KB]

Complementary therapy

• Guidelines on the use of complementary therapies in the care of patients with MSCC (2024) [PDF, 110KB]

Rehabilitation

• Guidelines on mobilisation and rehabilitation (2024) [PDF, 182KB]

You can also access details about local allied health professionals who will support patient rehabilitation; this can be accessed via the MSCC resources section.

Discharge letter

For patients who receive radiotherapy as the definitive treatment for their spinal cord compression, the following discharge letter will be completed and sent with them to their referring ward.  This provides the ward team with details of the treatment delivered as well as the expected side effect and management advice.

• Management of MSCC patients following radiotherapy (2020) [PDF, 568KB]