How Spinal Cord Injuries Can Affect You

Spinal cord injuries can be devastating and life-changing. Find out what they are, how they are caused, what the treatment is, and how to minimise your chances of developing them.

How does the spinal cord work?

The spinal cord is a long tube-like structure that forms a part of the central nervous system. It houses the major bundle of nerves that communicate between the brain and the rest of the body. It transmits various signals to different tissues and organs, thereby helping in movement and proper functioning.

What is a spinal cord injury (SCI)?

Spinal cord injury refers to an injury that may occur to any part of the spinal cord. It can lead to loss of normal function such as mobility, sensation or strength.

Roughly 15,000 new cases are reported in India every year, out of which 60-70% are from the rural population.

How are spinal cord injuries classified?

Based on the extent of damage, these injuries can be –

Incomplete: In this, the spinal cord is partially damaged so some degree of movement is still possible below the level of the injury
Complete spinal injuries: In this, the spinal cord is completely damaged, making voluntary movement impossible below the level of the injury

What are the causes of spinal cord injuries?

They may be caused due to trauma or other causes such as infections, tumours etc.
Some traumatic causes include –

Road traffic accidents
Falls
Gunshot or stab injuries
Sports injuries

Surgical/medical complicationsNon-traumatic causes include –

Spinal tumours
Multiple sclerosis
Osteoporosis
Arthritis

Who’s at risk of developing a spinal cord injury?

You may be more likely to develop a spinal cord injury if you are –

A male
Aged between 16 to 30 years
An elderly person with a high risk of falls
Involved in high-impact sports, diving etc.
Suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis or have a tumour in your spinal cord

What are the symptoms of spinal cord injury?

Some commonly reported symptoms include –

Severe back pain
Immense pressure on the spine, neck, head or back
Loss of strength or muscle power
Inability to move or paralysis in your arms, legs or both
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Difficulty in walking, balancing or coordination
Sexual dysfunction
Difficulty in breathing
Tingling, numbness or altered sensation in your hands or feet

What are some complications of spinal cord injuries?

These injuries can –

Lead to chronic pain
Severely limit your mobility and alter your normal day-to-day functioning
Cause paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
Permanently affect your bladder and bowel function
Cause difficulty in breathing and lead to respiratory tract infections, pneumonia etc.
Lead to muscle flaccidity or spasticity
Cause bed sores and other skin infections
Cause depression

How is spinal cord injury diagnosed?

Your doctor will review your medical history in detail, so make sure you inform them about any injuries, accidents or trauma you have suffered, any medical conditions you have and any surgeries you have undergone in the past. They will then perform a physical examination and do a thorough assessment of your movement and sensory function. They may recommend you to get the following scans –

X-rays, to look for fractures, osteoarthritis and other degenerative changes
CT scan, to get a better view of any kind of changes, fractures, tumours and deformities
MRI, to detect tumours, disc herniation etc.

What is the most important thing to do after a back or neck injury?

If someone you know has suffered a back or neck injury –

Call an ambulance
Do not move or alter their position until professional help arrives
Make them comfortable and provide basic first aid
Place heavy towels around their neck or hold their head to prevent them from moving

How is a spinal cord injury treated?

Your doctors will provide standard care in order to relieve pain and any other symptoms that you may be experiencing. Depending on the cause of the injury, surgery can also be an option.

What can I do to prevent spinal cord injuries?

To minimise your risk, you should –

Drive safely, always wear your seatbelt or helmet and do not indulge in drunk driving
Wear protective equipment such as helmets, eyewear and guards while taking part in sports
Take necessary precautions to protect yourself from falls

Is a spinal cord injury permanent?

Currently, there is no cure for this condition. However, medications, mobilisation exercises and surgery can prevent further damage and improve functioning and quality of life.

How can I regain my independence if I have a spinal cord injury?

To improve your independence and quality of life, you can take the aid of –

Modern wheelchairs: Lightweight and improved wheelchairs make it more comfortable and mobile for patients
Computer-assisted technologies or electronic aids: These can help patients in performing activities independently
Adaptive techniques: Learning adaptive techniques can help in accomplishing day-to-day tasks

What kind of follow-up is required after a spinal cord injury?

You will require regular follow-ups which include –

Yearly urological assessment to ensure proper functioning of the kidneys and bladder
Self-evaluation of skin on a daily basis for any sores or skin problems
Periodic chest examination to detect any kind of upper respiratory infections or pneumonia