A spinal cord injury can result from hyperflexion, hyperextension, or direct force/trauma to the spinal cord. A loss of function such as mobility and/or feeling can occur. The spinal cord does not have to be severed to cause symptoms.
Common causes of spinal cord injuries can include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Violence
- Sports injuries
- Diseases such as cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, and inflammation of the spinal cord
A complete sensory and motor examination is performed by the medical team. Portable x-rays can be obtained and any spine dislocations must be evaluated immediately.
Spinal surgery is considered in order to correct abnormalities of the spinal cord.
Diagnosis
- X-ray: An X-ray of your back or neck can reveal bony changes or fractures, such as bone spurs that may be narrowing the space within the spinal canal.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer generated radio waves to create detailed images of the spine and possibly identify any structural abnormalities
- Computerized Tomography (CT): This non-invasive imaging can help obtain different angles of the spine to outline the spinal cord, nerves, and vertebrae.
Treatment:
Unfortunately, there is no treatment to reverse spinal cord damaged. Surgery is considered if bone fragments, foreign objects, herniated disks, or fractured vertebrae are compressing the spine.
Rehabilitation therapy can help maintain and strengthen your existing muscle function. Fine motor skills can be developed as well as learning new adaptive techniques to complete day to day tasks.