The spinal cord is the main highway between the brain and the rest of the body. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most fragile. Injuries can have profound and life-changing consequences. Understanding the different types of spinal injuries is key to understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
In this blog, we’ll go over the types, causes, symptoms, and treatments of spinal cord injuries and why you should see an orthopedic surgeon in Atlanta for personalized care and recovery.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Understanding the different types of spinal injuries is key to understanding the impact and treatment. They can be very different in severity and consequence and are generally divided into two main categories: complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries.
Complete Spinal Cord Injury
A complete spinal cord injury means there is no function below the injury. This means no voluntary muscle movement and sensation in the affected areas. The consequences of a complete injury can be severe, tetraplegia, or paraplegia depending on the level of the injury.
In a complete spinal cord injury, the spinal cord is severed or damaged. This disruption prevents nerve signals from traveling between the brain and the body and there is no control of muscles and no sensation. As a result, individuals will have significant challenges with daily activities and will need extensive rehabilitation and support.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Incomplete spinal injuries have partial preservation of sensation or motor function below the injury, allowing for variations in symptoms and potential for rehabilitation. This can manifest in many ways depending on which pathways are intact. There are several types of incomplete spinal cord injuries:
- Brown-Sequard Syndrome: One side of the spinal cord is damaged and there is loss of motor function on the same side as the injury and loss of sensation on the opposite side.
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: The front of the spinal cord is affected and there is loss of motor function and pain/temperature sensation below the injury and touch and proprioception may be intact.
- Central Cord Syndrome: This affects the center of the spinal cord and is more common in the arms than the legs.
Levels of Spinal Cord Injury
Understanding the spinal cord injury levels is key to understanding the impact and recovery. There are four distinct levels of the spinal cord, and each level has different consequences depending on the specific injury. The spinal nerves play a crucial role in transmitting signals between the brain and body, and their location and connections to the vertebrae determine the type of pain or effects experienced after an injury. The spinal cord is divided into regions and injuries can occur at different levels, each with different consequences.
Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries
Cervical spinal cord injuries occur in the neck. These injuries can affect the head, neck, and arm function. Depending on the severity individuals may have tetraplegia which affects all four limbs. Symptoms can include loss of movement, altered sensation in the arms, and difficulty breathing. Rehabilitation is focused on mobility and adapting to new ways of doing daily activities.
Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries
Thoracic spinal cord injuries are in the upper back. These injuries affect the upper chest and abdominal muscles. Individuals with thoracic injuries may have paraplegia which means loss of function in the lower body. This can mean mobility and balance challenges. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy to strengthen the upper body and overall stability.
Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries
Lumbar spinal cord injuries are in the lower back. These injuries can affect movement in the hips and legs. Individuals may have mobility challenges, and difficulty walking or standing. Treatment may include physical therapy to strengthen and coordinate the lower body to maximize independence.
Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries
Sacral spinal cord injuries are at the bottom of the spinal cord. These injuries can affect the pelvic organs and lower body function, leading to complications with bladder and bowel function. Individuals may have symptoms of difficulty with movement and sensation in the lower extremities. Rehabilitation is focused on managing these functions and improving quality of life through adaptive strategies and support.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur from many incidents and understanding these causes is key to prevention and awareness. Here are some:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal injuries. High-speed collisions can cause significant trauma to the spine. The impact can cause fractures or dislocations in the spinal column and can cause serious injuries. Drivers and passengers should wear seatbelts and follow traffic rules to reduce the risk of these accidents.
Falls
Falls are another major cause of spinal injuries, especially among older adults. Slips, trips, and falls can cause severe damage to the spinal cord. Simple actions like using handrails, proper lighting, and removing tripping hazards can prevent these injuries.
Gunshot Wounds
Mostly gunshot wounds can cause spinal injuries. The force of the bullet can damage the spinal cord directly or create secondary injuries from bone fragments. Gun safety and responsible gun handling are key to preventing these tragedies.
Sports Injuries
Sports especially contact sports can cause spinal injuries. Athletes can get injured during tackles, falls, or collisions. Using protective gear and following safety rules can reduce the risk.
Surgical Complications
In some cases, surgical procedures related to the spine can cause complications resulting to spinal cord injuries. While surgery is often necessary for treatment, it’s best to discuss the risks with your doctor beforehand.
Symptoms and Effects
Understanding the symptoms and effects of spinal injuries is key to management and treatment. The impact of these injuries can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the injury. Here we will look at the areas affected by spinal cord injuries, motor, sensory, and autonomic functions.
Motor Function
One of the biggest effects of spinal cord injuries is loss of voluntary muscle movement. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, individuals may have varying degrees of muscle weakness or paralysis. This can mean challenges in doing daily tasks like walking, lifting objects, or even simple movements like grasping.
Cervical spinal cord injuries can cause tetraplegia, all four limbs affected, while thoracic or lumbar injuries can cause paraplegia, lower body affected. Rehabilitation including physical therapy can help restore some degree of muscle control and function.
Sensory Function
Spinal injuries can impair sensation below the injury site. This means individuals may lose the ability to feel touch, temperature, or pain in the affected areas. Loss of sensation can increase the risk of burns or cuts since individuals may not feel the injury until it’s severe.
In some cases, sensations may be altered and can cause neuropathic pain or abnormal sensations. Understanding these changes is key to developing pain management strategies and safety in daily activities.
Autonomic Function
Spinal injuries can affect autonomic functions which control involuntary bodily processes. This includes bladder and bowel control which can cause incontinence or urinary tract infections.
Also, spinal cord injuries can affect blood pressure regulation which can cause orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops when standing. This can cause dizziness or fainting. Being aware of these autonomic changes is important for overall health and well-being.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Treatment and rehabilitation for spinal injuries are key to recovery and independence. A customized approach is necessary since every injury is unique. Here are the key components of effective treatment and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is important in recovery from spinal injuries. It focuses on techniques to maintain or regain muscle function. Therapists use exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. They design programs tailored to each patient’s abilities and goals. Regular sessions can increase mobility and overall physical health.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps individuals adapt to daily life after an injury. Therapists work with patients to develop skills for daily activities like dressing, cooking, and personal care. They may recommend assistive devices or modifications to the home environment. This support helps individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Medical Management
Medical management is important to address secondary complications that can arise from spinal injuries. These can include chronic pain, nerve damage, and bladder and bowel issues. Doctors may prescribe medication to manage pain and prevent complications. Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor health and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Consult With an Experienced Orthopedic Surgeon About Your Spinal Injuries ASAP!
If you or a loved one is navigating the challenges of spinal injuries, it’s essential to have a dedicated and experienced team by your side. At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, our specialists are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
Schedule an appointment with us today at 678-929-4494!