Spinal cord injury: causes and treatment

Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including traumatic and non-traumatic events. Traumatic spinal cord injuries are often caused by accidents, such as car crashes, falls, and sports-related injuries. Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries can be caused by conditions such as arthritis, cancer, infections, and disc degeneration. Other potential causes of spinal cord injuries include violence, such as gunshot or stab wounds, and medical malpractice. It is important to take steps to prevent spinal cord injuries when possible, such as wearing seat belts, using proper safety equipment during sports and recreational activities, and seeking prompt medical attention for any signs or symptoms of spinal cord injury.

What are the common symptoms of spinal cord compression?

• Pain or stiffness in the neck, back, or lower back
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or trunk
• Weakness or paralysis in the arms, legs, or trunk
• Difficulty with coordination or balance
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Sexual dysfunction
• Muscle spasms or cramping

What are the common symptoms of a spinal cord injury?

• Loss of movement or sensation in the arms, legs, or trunk
• Difficulty breathing or coughing
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Sexual dysfunction
• Pain or pressure in the back, neck, or head
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the extremities
• Muscle spasms or contractions
• Difficulty with coordination or balance

If you suspect that you or someone else has a spinal cord injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment and intervention can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

What spinal cord injuries does St. Luke's Health treat?

Our team offers treatment for a multitude of spinal disorders, including but not limited to:

• Adult spinal deformity
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Cervical myelopathy
• Degenerative disc disease
• Epidural and spinal abscesses
• Herniated disc
• Meningitis
• Osteoporosis 
• Scoliosis
• Spina bifida
• Spinal cord abscess 
• Spinal cord injury
• Spinal cord tumors
• Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
• Spinal spondylolisthesis
• Spinal stenosis
• Subacute combined degeneration
• Syringomyelia
• Transverse myelitis

How do you treat a spinal cord injury?

The treatment for a spinal cord injury depends on the severity and location of the injury. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage to the spinal cord. Other treatments may include:

• Immobilization: In some cases, a brace or other device may be used to immobilize the spine and prevent further injury.
• Medications: Medications may be used to manage pain, reduce inflammation, prevent muscle spasms, and manage other symptoms associated with the injury.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be used to help restore function and mobility to the affected areas of the body.
• Assistive devices: Devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, and braces may be used to help individuals with spinal cord injuries to move around and perform daily activities.
• Counseling and support: Counseling and support groups may be beneficial for individuals and their families to cope with the emotional and psychological effects of a spinal cord injury.

Spine Neurosurgery

If your condition needs treatment beyond physical therapy, therapeutic injections, and other non-surgical therapies, our neurosurgeons can help you find a surgical solution. Our team, including fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeons, uses the latest technology to perform the following image-guided spinal procedures:

• Artificial disc replacement
• Deformity correction
• Foraminotomy
• Fusion
• Laminectomy
• Laminoplasty
• Microdiscectomy
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Revision of spinal instrumentation
• Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

What are the complications of a spinal cord injury?

• Paralysis: Depending on the location and severity of the injury, a spinal cord injury can cause partial or complete paralysis of the body below the level of the injury.
• Loss of sensation: A spinal cord injury can cause a loss of sensation or a tingling or prickling sensation in the body below the level of the injury.
• Breathing problems: Depending on the location and severity of the injury, a spinal cord injury can cause breathing difficulties or even respiratory failure.
• Bowel and bladder problems: A spinal cord injury can cause loss of control of the bowel and bladder, potentially leading to incontinence or other issues.
• Pressure sores: Individuals with spinal cord injuries are at increased risk of developing pressure sores due to prolonged periods of immobility.
• Blood clots: Prolonged immobility can also increase the risk of developing blood clots, which can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs.
• Depression and anxiety: Coping with a spinal cord injury can be emotionally challenging and can lead to depression and anxiety.

How to prevent a spinal cord injury

Preventing a spinal cord injury involves taking steps to reduce the risk of accidents or trauma that can lead to these types of injuries. Some ways to prevent spinal cord injuries include:

• Always wear a seatbelt while driving or riding in a vehicle.
• Wear proper safety gear while participating in sports or recreational activities, such as helmets and pads.
• Use caution when diving into water, ensuring that the water is deep enough and free of obstacles.
• Avoid risky behaviors, such as reckless driving or drug and alcohol use.
• Take steps to prevent falls, such as installing handrails and non-slip flooring in the home.
• Practice safe lifting techniques to avoid straining the back or neck.
• Avoid dangerous work conditions and use proper protective gear in the workplace.
• Seek treatment for medical conditions that can weaken the bones or increase the risk of falls.