Spinal cord injuries are one of the most serious kinds of traumatic injuries one can receive and cause permanent loss of function or sensation. According to the National Institute of Health, doctors see about 17,000 new cases of spinal cord injury per year.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about spinal cord injuries and treatments. Then, contact Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD, a spine specialist in New Jersey, to discuss treatment and surgery options for spinal cord injuries.
What Does the Spinal Cord Do?
The spinal cord is the focal part of your body’s central nervous system. All nerves in your body send signals to the spinal cord, which then sends them to your brain.
You can think of the spinal cord as a large highway that the peripheral nerves branch off of, like highway exits. Nerve signals travel up and down these branches like cars on the freeway.
Damage to the spinal cord closes off these exits, preventing nerve signals from communicating with the spinal cord and the brain. Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent damage to nerve tissue, resulting in loss of sensation or function in parts of the body. That’s why paralysis is a common symptom of spinal cord injury.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Medical professionals categorize spinal cord injuries based on their type and level. There are two main types of classification for spinal cord injuries: incomplete and complete.
An incomplete injury partially damages the spinal cord. Incomplete injuries may cause varying levels of paralysis and dysfunction and may heal depending on the patient and injury. Meanwhile, complete spinal cord injuries include permanent damage to the spinal cord. They typically result in paraplegia or quadriplegia.
Doctors further classify spinal cord injuries into four levels, each of which refers to a specific area of the spine:
- Cervical injuries refer to injuries at the top of the spine near the neck and shoulders. Cervical injuries are the most serious and often result in complete paralysis.
- Thoracic spinal injuries occur in the middle of the back and may affect the chest, arms, and abdomen.
- Lumbar spinal injuries occur in the lower back and affect the hips and legs.
- Sacral spinal cord injuries affect the lower pelvis and pelvic organs. Patients with this type of injury may retain the ability to walk.
Medical professionals often describe spinal cord injuries in terms of their type and level. An incomplete thoracic spinal cord injury would be a partial injury in the middle of the spinal column.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries most commonly occur due to trauma to the spine and vertebrae. Some of the most common things that damage the spinal cord include slip and fall injuries, motor vehicle accidents, violence (like gunshot wounds), sports injuries, arthritis, and disk degeneration.
Motor vehicle accidents are the single most common cause of spinal cord injury in the U.S. and are responsible for about 40% of cases, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. Spinal cord injuries can happen to anyone, but certain risk factors make injury more likely:
- Men are at a higher risk, with the NIH stating that 60% of injuries affect men between the ages of 15 and 35
- OIder adults (65+) are at a higher risk of spinal injury from slipping and falling.
- Alcohol use is a contributing factor in a large number of spinal cord injury cases.
- Certain conditions, such as osteoporosis, weaken the vertebrae and make spinal cord injuries more likely.
- Those who engage in risky behaviors, such as playing contact sports or riding motorcycles, are more at risk for spinal cord injuries.
Spinal Cord Injury Complications
The spinal cord connects to every peripheral nervous system in the body, so spinal cord damage can affect several of your bodily functions. Below are some of the most common complications from spinal cord injuries
Nerve Pain
One of the most common complications from spinal cord injury is nerve pain or neuropathic pain. Studies show that the majority of those who experience a spinal cord injury will experience some kind of nerve pain, which typically affects the damaged areas but can also radiate to other parts of the body.
Loss of Sensation
The spinal cord connects to all the peripheral nerves in the body, so spinal cord damage typically results in a loss of sensation below the damaged area. For example, a lumbar injury can result in loss of sensation in the legs and hips.
Muscle Atrophy
Many people who experience spinal cord injury lose muscle tone in their arms, legs, or torso. Muscle atrophy can lead to a loss of strength.
Bed Sores
Spinal cord injuries can negatively affect mobility, and patients can develop bed sores and pressure injuries from being too sedentary. Since spinal cord injuries often cause a loss of sensation, patients can develop pressure sores without realizing it.
Incontinence
Spinal cord injuries in the lower back can affect bowel control, leading to incontinence and an inability to consciously control urination and defecation.
Difficulties Breathing
Thoracic and higher spinal cord may also cause difficulties in breathing due to damage to the lungs and chest muscles. Weakened lung muscles might also make it harder for patients to clean their chest cavity, increasing the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia.
Blood Clots
Spinal cord injury can also raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of blood clots that can cause stroke and heart attack.
Risk of Obesity
Those who have lost function or sensation from spinal cord injury may lead more sedentary lives, which can lead to obesity and weight gain.
Sexual Dysfunction
Spine injuries can also affect sexual functioning, including erection, ejaculation, and lubrication.
The consequences of a spinal cord injury can be life-changing, which is why it is crucial to receive prompt attention from a doctor who specializes in spinal cord injury care and rehabilitation.
Treatments for Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are serious and require immediate medical attention. Rapid treatment can maximize the chance of positive outcomes. Depending on the nature of the injury, treatment options for spinal cord injury might include:
- Braces
- Traction
- Assistive devices
- Pharmaceutical treatment
- Surgery
- Chiropractic care
Post-treatment management will require physical therapy and medicine to manage symptoms. Recovery from a spinal cord injury is a long process, but with the right treatment and perseverance, you can see positive outcomes.
In addition to physical treatments, spinal cord injury rehabilitation may also involve mental counseling and therapy. Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent changes, and many find it difficult to cope with the new lifestyle. A strong support network of friends and family can help make recovery easier and more manageable.
When To See a Doctor for a Back Injury
Spinal cord injuries are serious, and the first 12 hours after the injury are crucial. The first thing to do after experiencing a back injury is to see a doctor and get immediate medical attention. Spinal cord injuries may not always be immediately obvious, so you should see a doctor, even if you don’t feel that the injury is serious.
Spinal Cord Injury Outlook
Complete recovery from a spinal cord injury is rare, and most will have to deal with some kind of complications for the rest of their lives. Recovery from a spinal cord injury is a difficult process, but with the right treatment and a positive outlook, it is possible to live a full and active life.
Best Spine Specialist Near Me
Spinal cord injuries are no joke and need prompt medical attention. The sooner you get treatment for a spinal cord injury, the sooner you can start your recovery process. Send Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD, a message online to schedule a spinal cord injury surgery consultation!
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Whether you suffer from degenerative spine disease or significant injury, we can help.
Spinal Cord Injury FAQ
This section covers some of the most common questions our clinic receives about spinal cord injury treatment, diagnosis, and prognosis.
Can You Cure a Spinal Cord Injury?
No, you cannot cure a spinal cord injury. In rare cases, full recovery is possible, but most spinal cord injuries cause permanent damage and affect bodily sensation and functioning.
What Is the Most Common Type of Spinal Cord Injury?
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that about 65% of spinal cord injuries are incomplete injuries. Thoracic injuries are the most common level of spinal cord injury.
What Is Average Life Expectancy After a Spinal Cord Injury?
The average life expectancy after a spinal cord injury is approximately 31 years, according to data from Statista. Life expectancy after a spinal cord injury gets lower as you get older.
What Should I Avoid If I Have a Spinal Cord Injury?
If you have a spinal cord injury, you should avoid lifting heavy objects and engaging in activities that can exacerbate the injury, such as contact sports or heavy exercise.
