Impairments of the Spine: Signs, Remedies, and Root Causes
In a startling revelation, motor vehicle accidents and falls are the leading causes of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in different age groups. Younger individuals are more likely to suffer from SCIs due to motor vehicle accidents, while falls pose a greater threat to the elderly, according to recent findings.
The average age at the time of a spinal cord injury is 43 years, and males account for 78% of new cases. The spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that sends messages from the brain to other parts of the body, can be severely impacted in various ways, depending on the location of the injury.
The thoracic spine (vertebrae T1 through T12) controls the muscles in the abdomen, legs, and lower back. An injury to this area can result in paraplegia, causing paralysis in parts of the trunk and legs. On the other hand, a lumbar spine injury may lead to some loss of function in the hips and legs but usually allows for control of the upper body.
SCIs can be categorised as complete or incomplete, with a complete injury resulting in a person losing all feeling and control of the body below the spinal cord injury, and an incomplete injury allowing for some feeling or control in the affected areas.
Long-term symptoms and complications of a spinal cord injury include a wide range of physical, neurological, and psychological effects that significantly impact daily life and overall quality of life. These can include chronic pain and muscle spasms, muscle weakness and paralysis, bladder and bowel dysfunction, respiratory complications, increased risk of infections, pressure sores, blood clot formation, autonomic dysregulation, emotional and psychological effects, reduced life expectancy and quality of life, and more.
In an emergency, anyone who is with a person who may have sustained a back injury should avoid trying to lift or move them. Instead, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care immediately. With support from a medical team, friends, and family, people with spinal cord injuries can participate in activities they enjoy and lead a full, rewarding life.
It is essential to note that there is no cure for a spinal cord injury. However, treatment may include surgery, occupational therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation, counseling, psychotherapy, as well as regular visits to doctors and medical providers.
Spinal cord injuries have a variety of causes, including hard impacts and collisions in sports, automobile accidents, falls, hitting the head when diving, injuries from violent acts, certain types of cancer, arthritis, specific types of infections, some medical conditions, such as spina bifida and polio.
In conclusion, spinal cord injuries trigger a spectrum of long-term complications involving chronic pain, motor and autonomic dysfunctions, infections, psychological distress, and increased healthcare needs, demanding comprehensive and ongoing management. If symptoms of a potential spinal cord injury are present, seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Spinal cord injuries, often caused by motor vehicle accidents and falls, can severely impact the health-and-wellness of any individual, especially at the average age of 43 years.
- Therapies, such as occupational and physical therapy, play a crucial role in the treatment and rehabilitation of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.
- Neurological-disorders like paraplegia, resulting from injuries to the thoracic spine, can lead to significant loss of function in the trunk and legs.
- Science continues to evolve, with medical-conditions like spina bifida and polio contributing to spinal cord injuries, but there is no known cure; ongoing stimulation in the field of healthcare can provide hope for future advancements and improved quality of life for those affected by these injuries.
