SPINAL CORD TRAUMA

The spinal cord extends from the brain to the low back. It is enclosed in the spinal canal, a solid open tube that is in the middle of the vertebra. The spinal cord is the nerve fiber bundle that carries sensations to the brain from the body and carries the response to that sensation from the brain back to the body. For example, when you get stuck with a needle, the sensation of being stuck goes up to the brain. The nerves in the brain rapidly return a response (command) to move away from that needle. Spinal cord injury can therefore affect control of movement and sensation in many parts of the body.

Some accidents may fracture or dislocate the bones of the spinal column, causing spinal cord injury. Diving into shallow water, falls, or vehicular accidents are examples. Gunshot, stab, or other wounds can penetrate the spinal cord. Sometimes the spinal cord injury occurs more slowly, such as when a tumor grows into the spinal cord.

Injury to the spinal cord may cause paralysis. Paralysis prevents movement of one or more parts of the body. It may be permanent or resolve over time. The affected part of the body can also lose the sense of touch. This is permanent if the injury cuts or crushes the spinal cord. All the muscles below the point of injury can lose movement. Injury at the middle or lower back affects the lower body and legs. Injury in the neck may paralyze all limbs, bladder, bowels, and even the muscles that control breathing.

Safety precautions can prevent many spinal injuries. Examples are:

using seat belts, air bags, and car head rests
wearing motorcycle and bicycle helmets and
checking water depth before diving

A patient with a possible spinal injury should not be moved until emergency providers arrive. It may make the injury worse to move an accident victim. Healthcare workers will secure the neck and the whole body before moving the victim.

Treatment attempts to relieve the pressure on and swelling of the cord. Someone who is partially paralyzed may recover some movement. Physical therapy is a major part of the treatment and often helps. Long-term medical care may require skin, bladder, and bowel care, and training. Assistance with daily activities may be required. Career retraining may also be needed.

If you have sustained a back or neck injury, be aware of any changes. Report all signs of numbness, tingling, weakness, or problems moving. Consult your healthcare provider immediately, even if these feelings come and go.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File NEUR3537.rf2 VRS# 5512 Data Version 7.0