Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) is one of the common causes of back pain in elderly age group, where there is a compression of the thecal sac and its components by tumour mass. This is a true spinal emergency, and if the pressure on the spinal cord is not relieved quickly, it may result in irreversible loss of neurologic function. The most important prognostic factor for functional outcome is neurologic function before treatment. Hence, any delay could result in poorer functional outcome and decreased quality of life, with increased dependence on healthcare resources. The most common primary tumours are prostate cancer in male and breast cancer in female. The most common presenting feature for spinal metastases is increasing back pain. The pain may be localised or generalised and is due to compression, pathological fractures, or axial pain from mechanical instability. Early diagnosis and treatment would improve the outcome.
