Spinal injury

Spinal injury refers to any damage or harm inflicted on the spine or spinal cord. These injuries can result from trauma, such as a fall or a car accident, or from disease and aging. Spinal injuries can lead to severe and lasting changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury.

Causes

Spinal injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Trauma: This is the most common cause of spinal injuries. Trauma can result from falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and violence.
• Disease: Certain diseases can also cause spinal injuries. These include cancer, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
• Aging: As people age, their spines can become more susceptible to injury. This is due to factors such as decreased bone density and increased likelihood of falls.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a spinal injury can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury. They may include:

• Pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back
• Weakness, incoordination, or paralysis in any part of the body
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Difficulty with balance and walking
• Impaired breathing after injury

Treatment

Treatment for spinal injuries depends on the severity and location of the injury. It may include:

• Surgery: This may be necessary to remove fragments of bones, foreign objects, herniated discs, or fractured vertebrae that appear to be compressing the spine.
• Medication: This can include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications to manage symptoms.
• Physical therapy: This can help individuals regain strength, flexibility, and function.

See also

• Spinal cord injury
• Paraplegia
• Quadriplegia

Spinal injury Resources
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