Spinal cord injuries can have sudden, devastating impacts on your life, affecting everything from muscle movement to sexual function. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of spinal cord injury signs and symptoms, including how they happen, what to look for, and when to get help.
At JIS Orthopedics, with locations in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH, we specialize in diagnosing and treating spinal injuries. If you or someone you love is showing symptoms, contact us for expert care and support.
Spinal cord injuries are typically divided into two categories: traumatic spinal cord injury and non-traumatic. Traumatic injuries are caused by sudden events like motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or gunshot wounds.
Non-traumatic spinal injuries don’t involve one significant trauma but may occur as a result of accumulated micro-traumas or age-related changes in the spine. In fact, it may be as simple as waking up one day with pain in your back or neck. Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries can also occur gradually from conditions such as cancer, infections, or inflammation affecting the spinal column or soft tissues.
Recognizing spinal cord injury symptoms early can reduce further damage and improve outcomes. The common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:
Symptoms depend on the injury site and whether it’s a complete spinal cord injury or an incomplete spinal cord injury. In a complete injury, there’s a total loss of function below the level of damage. In an incomplete injury, some muscle movement or sensation remains.
The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system and is divided into different segments that control different body functions:
Spinal cord injuries vary not just by location, but also by severity. The two primary types are:
Treatment starts with emergency stabilization. The doctors will immobilize the spinal column to prevent worsening damage. Other treatments may include:
Rehabilitation also aims to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, and further nerve cell damage.
While not all new spinal cord injuries are preventable, you can reduce risk by:
Education is essential, as most spinal cord injuries occur due to preventable trauma.
Get immediate help if you or someone else experiences:
A quick response can protect the nervous system from permanent damage.
If you suspect a spinal cord injury, don’t wait. At JIS Orthopedics, we offer comprehensive care from diagnosis through rehabilitation. Our team has extensive expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, from spinal cord injuries to recovery strategies.
Call or visit our offices in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH, to get expert care tailored to your needs. We’re here to help restore mobility, function, and quality of life.
Medically reviewed by Derek Snook, MD
If you’re concerned about spinal injury or have questions about spine pain, it’s worth seeking the advice of an expert. Whether you’re dealing with a traumatic injury or a little twinge of pain, an orthopedic specialist can help.
Neck & Spine