Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can be life-altering, and it can be nerve-wracking not fully understanding them. Recognizing spinal cord injury symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention are critical steps in managing these injuries and improving outcomes for those affected. This includes acute spinal cord injuries, which require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications.
This guide explores various aspects of spinal cord injuries and how to know if you have one before coming into our Atlanta spine and orthopedic clinic.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Definition
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord, the string of nerves that runs down the back. The spinal cord is what sends messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to this important part can mess up those signals and cause loss of motor and sensory function below the injury.
Causes
Spinal cord injuries can be caused by trauma and disease. The most common causes are:
- Trauma: Injuries from accidents such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries often result in spinal cord damage. Risk factors associated with spinal cord injuries include age, gender, ethnicity, causes such as motor vehicle accidents and falls, as well as other contributing factors like alcohol use, certain diseases, and lack of proper protective gear.
- Disease: Conditions like cancer, infections and inflammation can also cause spinal cord injuries.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified by the severity and location of the damage. Acute spinal cord injury is a severe type of injury that can result in significant and immediate loss of function, often requiring urgent medical attention.
- Complete Injury: In this type there is total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury. This means the area can’t send signals past the injury.
- Incomplete Injury: Here some function remains below the injury level. The amount of function retained depends on the severity and specific location of the injury.
Consequences
The consequences of a spinal cord injury can be big and life changing. It affects not just physical abilities but also emotional and psychological well being. The severity of the consequences depends on the location and extent of the injury, with higher injuries causing more impairment. It is crucial to monitor blood pressure and be aware of the risk of developing blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolus, due to circulatory control issues in individuals with a spinal cord injury.
Timing is Everything
Early recognition and prompt medical attention is key to managing spinal cord injuries. Get medical attention right away to stabilize the condition, prevent further damage and improve recovery.
Spinal Cord Injuries Causes
Car Accidents
Car accidents are the number one cause of spinal cord injuries. The sudden impact can throw the body forward and backward quickly, causing the ligaments in the spine to tear and the spinal cord to damage. The force of the collision can bruise, stretch or compress the spinal cord causing immediate or delayed injury. Additionally, car accidents can impact the spinal column, which consists of 33 rings of bone (vertebrae), pads of cartilage (discs), and narrow spaces called foramen. This impact can lead to direct injury within the foramen, further contributing to spinal cord injuries.
Sports Injuries
High impact sports like football, rugby and gymnastics are common causes of spinal cord injuries. Players can experience big impacts and falls that put a lot of pressure on the spine. Poor technique, no protective gear or unexpected accidents during sports can cause significant spinal damage.
Falls
Falls, especially among the elderly, are a big cause of spinal cord injuries. Slipping, tripping or falling from heights can cause severe trauma to the spine. The impact from a fall can cause vertebrae fractures or dislocation and spinal cord compression or severance. Falls in younger individuals often due to reckless activities or accidents also cause spinal injuries.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
Paralysis
One of the most immediate spinal cord injury symptoms is paralysis. This can happen anywhere in the body and means bleeding or severe damage around the spine. Paralysis affects muscle control and muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness and loss of voluntary muscle movement in various parts of the body, including the bladder, bowel, legs, and respiratory muscles. Paralysis requires medical attention right away to prevent further complications.
Respiratory Problems
Difficulty breathing is another symptom of a spinal cord injury. This is due to damage to the nerves that control the breathing muscles. Immediate respiratory problems requires medical attention to ensure the patient can get enough oxygen.
Severe Pain or Pressure
Having extreme pain or pressure in the back right after an injury is a common symptom. This pain means big trauma to the spinal cord or surrounding structures. Get medical evaluation to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
Incontinence
Loss of bladder or bowel control is a symptom of spinal cord injury. This means possible nerve damage to the bladder. Medical attention right away is important to prevent complications and manage the condition.
Late Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
Numbness
Gradual numbness in different parts of the body is a late symptom of spinal cord injury. This includes inability to feel heat, cold or touch, means ongoing nerve damage. Monitor and address these changes early to prevent further decline.
Tingling or Numbness
Tingling or numbness especially in the extremities usually appears hours or days after the injury. These sensations means the spinal cord is still traumatized. Monitor and consult a doctor to manage and alleviate these symptoms.
Bowel and Bladder Control
Late loss of bowel and bladder control is a symptom of spinal cord injury. This means the nerves responsible for these functions are affected. Nerve and muscle control related to the bladder, bowel, legs, and sexual function can be compromised due to a lower injury in the lumbar vertebrae. Get medical advice to manage these changes and prevent long term complications.
Spasms or Reflexes
Having extreme spasms or reflexes is another late symptom. These involuntary movements can be uncomfortable and means the spinal cord is reacting to the injury. Medical intervention can help control these symptoms and improve life. Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in managing these spasms or reflexes by helping individuals learn new ways of performing everyday tasks despite physical limitations.
Sexual Function
Changes in sexual function may occur gradually after a spinal cord injury. This affects physical and mental well-being. Talk to healthcare providers early to manage and support better.
Pain or Stinging
Pain or stinging sensations means nerve damage and usually appears after the injury. These symptoms needs attention to prevent further nerve deterioration and to provide pain management.
Respiratory Problems
Increasing difficulty in breathing or coughing over time is a late symptom of spinal cord injury. This means the injury is affecting the nerves that control the respiratory system. Get medical attention right away to address these and ensure respiratory function.
Why Immediate Medical Attention is Important
Preventing Further Injury
Immediate medical attention is important to prevent further injury to the spinal cord. The initial trauma can cause swelling, bleeding and additional pressure to the spinal cord and worsen the injury. Medical attention right away can stabilize the spine and reduce secondary complications.
Better Recovery Outcomes
The sooner treatment is given, the better the outcome. Early intervention can preserve as much function as possible. Treatment may include medications to reduce inflammation, surgical procedures to relieve pressure and physical therapy to maintain mobility and strength.
Complications
Delaying medical attention can lead to severe complications like chronic pain, permanent paralysis and loss of bodily functions. Early treatment can manage these risks by addressing the injury before it gets worse. Medical attention right away can also prevent infections and other complications that may arise from immobilization. Spinal cord injuries can significantly impact the brain and spinal cord, disrupting the central nervous system’s ability to transmit messages and control movement, making it crucial to address these complications promptly.
Symptoms Management
Early medical intervention gives opportunity to manage symptoms well. Immediate attention to respiratory difficulties, pain and other acute symptoms can improve the patient’s comfort and reduce long term problems. Proper pain management and support can also prevent chronic pain syndromes. Addressing damage to spinal nerves is crucial, as these nerves act like on- and off-ramps connecting the spinal cord to peripheral nerves, transmitting signals to the rest of the body.
Psychological Support
Spinal cord injury is traumatic and emotionally overwhelming. Medical attention is not just physical but also psychological. Early engagement with healthcare providers can address the mental and emotional impact of the injury and provide patients with resources and support systems.
Care Coordination
Medical attention on time ensures care coordination among various specialists like neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and rehabilitation experts. This holistic approach is important to address the multiple needs of spinal cord injury patients so all aspects of their health and recovery are managed well.
Visit Our Atlanta Spine and Orthopedic Clinic Today!
Dealing with a spinal cord injury is stressful, and it can be worrisome not knowing how to treat it. At Georgia Spine and Orthopedic, our orthopedic surgeons are dedicated to helping you with your spinal cord injury.
Schedule an appointment today at 404-687-9000!