Getting hurt in this way means damage to the spinal cord. It’s a very serious type of physical trauma that is likely to have a long-term and significant effect on most parts of daily life. There are a lot of nerves and other things in the spinal cord that the vertebrae of the spine hold and protect. The vertebrae are the bones stacked on top of each other and make up your spine. When you look at your spine, you will see a lot of nerves in it. It goes from the base of your brain down your back and ends near your butt.
All body parts get messages from the brain through the spinal cord. This is why it is important to keep the spine healthy. Also, it sends messages from the body to the brain, which is how it works. Because the spinal cord sends messages to our brains, we can feel pain and move our bodies.
If the spinal cord is hurt, some or all of these impulses may not be able to “make it.” The result is that there is no sense of movement below the injury. Most people who get a spinal cord injury closer to their necks are paralyzed for longer than people who get one in their lower backs.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
The signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury depend on the location of the injury and the extent of the damage. Incomplete injuries have some residual function below the level of injury, whereas complete injuries have no residual function below the level of injury.
Spinal cord injuries can result in muscle weakening or full loss of function, loss of feeling below the level of injury, loss of control over the bowels and the bladder, and loss of normal sexual function. Upper-neck spinal cord injuries might induce breathing difficulties and necessitate a ventilator.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
Damage to the spinal column’s vertebrae, ligaments, or discs can cause spinal cord injuries and damage the spinal cord itself. One or more of your vertebrae may be broken, dislocated, crushed, or compressed by a sudden, severe blow to the spine. This can cause a traumatic spinal cord injury. Alternatively, it can be caused by a gunshot or knife wound to the spinal cord.
In the days and weeks that follow, the swelling, inflammation, and fluid buildup that occurs in and around your spinal cord will likely do more harm than good. Disc degeneration, arthritis, cancer, inflammation, and infection can lead to a non-traumatic spinal cord injury.
How is a spinal cord injury treated?
The type of spinal cord injury that a person suffers determines the course of treatment and recovery time. A medical team will evaluate the individual’s situation and design a treatment plan that is appropriate for the individual’s needs and a timeline for recovery. They must consider the type and extent of the injury to manage and prevent consequences. Spinal cord injuries are often treated with surgery, the gold standard. When there is a possibility of future injury, surgery is usually the first line of defense trusted Source. The nature of the damage will determine the sort of surgery required.
When it comes to enhancing and maintaining the long-term quality of life, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and rehabilitation are all important tools to have in your arsenal. Some people will need to attend therapy sessions regularly to retain physical strength and mobility. Counseling and psychotherapy may be beneficial in dealing with the emotional distress that follows a spinal cord injury. Reaching out to friends and family for emotional support and day-to-day assistance will also make the healing process more manageable.
People who have suffered a spinal cord injury should frequently see their doctors and other medical professionals. These professionals can assist with managing difficulties, the recommendation of adaptive equipment, and the improvement of a person’s overall quality of life.
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