Spinal Injuries
Understanding Spinal Injury: Unraveling the Impact
Spinal injury arises from accidents, injuries, or conditions affecting the spinal cord’s surrounding bones, tissues, or blood vessels. Instances like motor vehicle accidents, falls, assaults, and sports-related incidents can precipitate spinal injury. The consequences can be profound, and even seemingly minor injuries can lead to substantial damage if the spine is compromised by conditions like osteoporosis. Generally, spinal injury affects young, otherwise healthy individuals, primarily men aged 15 to 35.
Navigating Common Indications
The range of symptoms linked to spinal injury hinges on the injury’s location and extent. These symptoms might encompass loss of sensation and paralysis both at the injury site and below it. Additional manifestations can encompass:
- Breathing difficulties
- Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Numbness or loss of sensation
- Pain
Diagnosing Spinal Injury
Given its urgency, spinal injury necessitates immediate medical intervention. Depending on the nature of the injury, a physical and neurological examination will be conducted. Employing diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, or myelograms (X-rays of the spinal canal with injected contrast material), the injury’s location and severity are pinpointed. Other diagnostic tools might also be employed to provide comprehensive insights.
Embarking on Treatment
Hospitals often administer medication to mitigate swelling. Surgical intervention may be necessary to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord by extracting fluids, tissues, bone fragments, or foreign objects. Additionally, broken bones might need to be fused. Swift surgical action is paramount, as the time between injury and treatment can influence long-term outcomes. In cases of paralysis, relieving spinal cord pressure before nerve destruction can potentially lead to improved paralysis outcomes.
Stabilizing the spine through the application of a back brace might be recommended. During and after hospitalization, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation could play pivotal roles. Leveraging medical devices and electronic aids, individuals grappling with spinal injuries can regain independence and function. Voice-activated and electrical stimulation technology facilitate this restoration process.
The accomplished team at North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center can guide you through the best-suited treatment strategies. Their specialization in minimally invasive spine surgery equips them to address disc disorders and disease, ensuring a holistic approach to pain relief and restoration of an active lifestyle. To schedule an appointment, please call North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center at 919-784-7550.
Contact Us For An Appointment
The care team at North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center can help you decide on the treatment that's best for you. They specialize in minimally invasive surgery and are experienced in diagnosing and treating disorders and diseases, using the newest techniques for relieving pain and returning you to an active lifestyle. To make an appointment at North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center call 919-784-7550.
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