Spinal Cord Injury – Causes, Types of Spinal Damage & Treatment

We never hear of spinal cord injury unless they stem from car accidents. A majority of amputations happen due to injuries sustained as a result of car accidents. Car accidents, falling, injuries involving machinery – all these are scary scenarios that can cause spinal injuries. Sadly, there’s nothing that can prevent the occurrence of these inevitable accidents and not much can be done if a spinal cord is irreversibly damaged.

Injury to the spine is irreversible damage to the spinal cord. The spinal cord connects all of your central nervous system organs. This can often result in paralysis or numbness and other impairments depending on the area affected. 

Role of Spinal Cord In Keeping Our Body Balanced

The spinal cord helps control movement in your body and connects your brain to your spinal cord. An injury can happen when something bumps or presses against the spinal cord, or when the cord is damaged. The spinal cord helps our central nervous system to function. The cord runs from the brain down the upper thoracic (chest) spine and the cervical cord. Damage to any of these areas can result in complete or incomplete injuries to the spinal cord.

Shown In Study

According to (NSISR), approximately 3 out of 1000 people will experience an injury to the spinal cord in their lifetime. Approximately 1 out of 150 people will experience a complete (irreversible) spinal cord injury. Currently, there is no cure for spinal cord injury, but there are many ways to help people recover from it.

Types of Injuries To The Spinal Cord:

There are two main spinal injury types: Incomplete and Complete. 

  • Complete injury causes incapacitation. This results from an interruption, or a complete severing, of the cord’s nerve roots. 
  • Incomplete injuries cause some paralysis but are usually far less than a complete injury. Paralysis is characterized as a loss of movement below the level of injury.

The most important part of recovery for those with spinal cord injuries is preventing additional damage to nearby nerve roots and cord cells by providing supportive measures, such as immobilization and traction. 

Many devastating effects can occur after an injury. The early effects can include paralysis, loss of sensation, and nerve damage. In some cases, these may be temporary, but in others, they may be permanent. Late effects can include bladder and bowel problems, chronic pain, dementia, and more.

There are many ways to recover from such an injury, but there is no guarantee that any given approach will work for everyone. Recovery requires ongoing rehabilitation and support, which can be very difficult to manage on your own. That’s why it’s important to get help as soon as you can after an injury occurs.

When it comes to recovery or spinal cord injury treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, certain things can help improve the overall quality of life for those injured. For example, rehabilitation aimed at restoring strength and mobility may be key for people who have experienced paralysis. In addition, support groups and other forms of community engagement may be beneficial for those who experience long-term issues like chronic pain.

Injury To The Sacrum & Lumbosacral Spine

There are many things you can do to improve your chances of recovering after such a Lumbar spine injury, including seeking immediate medical attention and following your doctor’s orders. However, there is no guarantee that you will fully recover. This type of injury is considered irreversible if it results in damage to the lower backbone (the lumbar vertebrae).

Regardless of the extent of your injuries, you will need to focus on your strengths and capabilities, rather than limitations. Try to maintain as much independence as possible while helping your caregivers with daily activities. Be patient and encourage your loved ones to be supportive throughout your rehabilitation process. 

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment: Irreversible Damage And Approaches To Recovery

The most important part of recovery for those with injuries to the spinal cord is preventing additional damage to nearby nerve roots and cord cells by providing supportive measures, such as-

  • Immobilization
  • Traction

In most cases, an injury to the spinal cord is caused by an accident or assault, though it can also be congenital. The spinal cord provides nerve roots that start from the brain and body at the base of the spine. Damage to these nerves can cause partial or total paralysis. 

Despite the challenges inherent in the injured spinal cord recovery process, there is evidence to suggest that progress can be made. Whether you are newly injured or have been living with the consequences for years, there is hope available for you and your loved ones.

Final Words

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury to the spinal cord, this information will provide essential facts about the condition and its various treatment options. Though injuries to the spinal cord are generally debilitating and life-changing, there is hope for those who suffer from them through aggressive treatment and rehabilitation. Some injuries lead to sciatica which can reduce your quality of life as well. To get rid of Sciatica pain, you can try out the sciatica treatment from SureShot Ayurveda.

Most spinal cord injuries are irreversible, leading to Incomplete or complete paralysis. Treatments typically include intensive therapy and rehabilitation aimed at restoring movement and function. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for injury to the spinal cord. However, with proper care and support, the majority of individuals can lead productive lives.

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