Abstract Spinal cord and root compression is a common problem in all specialties. There are many possible classifications, based on location (extradural or intradural), disease type (congenital, acquired, inflammatory, infective, neoplastic, degenerative or traumatic) or timing of onset (acute or chronic). Syndromes used to describe different clinical presentations include anterior cord, Brown-Sequard, central cord and cauda equina. Treatment is dictated by the pathology, its severity and the patient's general condition. Surgery is often required to relieve compression, but conservative management (analgesia, anti-inflammatories, bed rest or physiotherapy) can be helpful in certain patients, particularly those with benign disc disease.