A spinal cord injury is a damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. It is an extremely serious type of physical distress that can happen to anyone. However, certain populations may be more prone to this injury, which likely to have a long-lasting and major impact on most aspects of daily life. Spinal cord injury often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions. You can always find and consult with the best neurosurgeon.
Signs And Symptoms:
Its signs and symptoms depend upon the place and severity of the injury. However, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Inability to control limbs
- Problem in walking
- Loss of the control of bladder or bowels
- Inability to move the arms or legs
- Unconsciousness
- The unnatural positioning of the head
- Exaggerated reflexes activities
- Severe pain
- Intense stinging sensation (caused by the damage to the nerve fiber in your spinal cord)
- Constant coughing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Clearing secretions from your lungs
- Stiffness in the back or neck area
- Signs of shock
- The feeling of spreading numbness
- The problem in maintaining balance
What Are The Causes?
A spinal injury usually occurs as a result of an unpredictable accident or violent event. Such accidents cause damage to the vertebrae, ligaments, or disks of the spinal column. Spinal cord injuries can also occur due to direct damage to the spinal cord itself. Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries are:
- Violent attacks: around 12 percent of spinal cord injuries result from violent attacks like stabbing or a gunshot.
- Diving into water: in many people, spinal cord injury caused by diving into water that’s too shallow and they hit the bottom.
- Motor vehicle accidents: car and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. According to a report, every year half of the spinal cord injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents.
- Sports and other recreational activities: sports, athletics, and other recreational activities cause approximately 10 percent of spinal cord injuries.
- Diseases: diseases such as cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, and inflammation of the spinal cord are another common cause of spinal cord injuries. You can also easily get an online consultation with the best neurosurgeon or physiotherapist.
Spinal Cord Injury Preventions:
There are many ways by which you can prevent spinal cord injury. And because it often causes due to unpredictable events, the best prevention is to reduce the risk factors.
- Drive safely: The best you can do is drive safely, as you already know that car crashes are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries. Also, make sure you wear your seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a car.
- Wear Protective kit: Always wear proper and protective kit while playing sports. Avoid leading with your heads in sports.
- Prevent falls: take precautionary measures to prevent falls. You can put nonslip mats on tile floors and in the shower because mostly people fall due to slipping.
- Check water depth before diving: make sure you don’t dive into shallow water. In fact, never dive into water unless you examine it first; make sure it’s deep enough and free of rocks.
If you believe you or someone else has a spinal cord injury, call for help immediately. Don’t try to move the person and encourage him to stay as still as possible. For more details and an online consultation with the best neurosurgeon.