Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries

By gina | Published: October 14, 2011

A spinal cord injury is the result from having incurred an accident. Often times these accidents happen from rigorous sport activities like basketball, football and other sports that require fast body movement. There are different types of spinal cord injury conditions where specific treatments are to be administered. Neuropathic pain is the most common condition that can result from a spinal cord injury.

Treatment for spinal cord injuries start the moment a medical team responds to help the injured victim. An initial evaluation will be made to assess the severity of the damaged spinal cord. After that, the emergency care unit will transport the patient to the hospital to give proper treatment to avoid worsening the condition. On the other hand, medicated drugs can be given as treatment such as steroid injection while on the ambulance to alleviate the pain. Every condition of an injury incurred is different from person to person therefore different types of treatment is also administered. For instance, some people require immediate surgery to stabilize the pain felt. In other instances, some patients are place in traction allowing the spinal cord to heal in a natural way.

The moment the spinal cord is shocked, this causes trauma that is known to be a spinal shock. The effects of this can take place after several hours of the occurrence of the accident although pain is felt right after a few minutes. Depending on the condition of the patient and the circumstances therefore, you can undergo surgery eight hours after the injury has happened. Surgery is not the only way to heal a broken spinal cord. You can also have it healed in a natural way. With the help of halo traction, a less invasive approach can be done allowing the bones to regenerate and heal naturally.

Once the pain is alleviated, the patient is directed to rehabilitation and supportive care. These treatments can be given while the patient is still hospitalized or given in special units where spinal cord injury treatments are given proper aid and treatment. However, there is still no known cure to get the spinal cord into functioning like it had been before the injury. This means that there is no other way to reverse the damage that a spinal cord injury caused. Spinal cord injury treatment is administered to help further worsening of the condition and to give people the empowerment to live a normal and active life even with this condition.

Scientists have been studying numerous ways to develop treatment to stop the cells from dying after a spinal cord injury has occurred. A study to stop inflammation and regeneration of the nerve is also made to help further enhancement of the treatment. You will be able to find a lot of treatment available and modern facilities that can be used to make the condition a lot better. You can make use of modern wheelchairs and electrical stimulation devices. Although treatment can be administered, most people have varying levels of recovery that can be seen in either short or longer periods of time.

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Head and Spinal Injuries

By gina | Published: October 11, 2011

Head and spinal cord injuries can vary in degrees of severity. These types of injuries can cause the individual permanent disability. Medical research has advanced significantly over the past couple of decades, but to date there is still no solution to serious spinal and head injuries. There are many circumstances that can cause spinal and head injuries, but these are typically cause by a traumatic accident like a car accident.

Some of the types of incidences that may cause a serious injury to the head or the spinal cord include car accidents and falls. Falling from a ladder or roof or any significant distance from the ground are major causes of these types of injuries. The number one cause of head and spinal injuries is car accidents. Also in this list are acts of violence like gunshots and assaults. Small children and the very old tend to suffer head and spinal injuries because of abuse, falls or blunt force trauma.

The spinal and head injury is not something that develops over time. Unlike many other debilitating conditions, these injuries occur in the blink of an eye. The car accident that hits in a second, the hard tackle on the football field, the slip from the ladder when cleaning the gutters. These are all happenings that take place in the blink of an eye. The damage and effects from those accidents also take place in a split second.

While paralysis is a possibility in these types of injuries, this is also not a guarantee. Other outcomes with this type of injury can also occur. There are some symptoms that do indicate some of the lesser injuries. One such symptom is a difficulty to clear one’s lungs, coughing, and sometimes even breathing. One might also expect to have some level of spasms or odd reflex response with a spinal or head injury.

Spinal cord injuries can also result in a loss of feeling to certain areas of the body. One might feel a tingling sensation or a total loss of feeling in specific areas. The individual may also have a total loss of feeling, or just a loss of feeling warmth or cold.

Head injuries can also possess a variety of differing symptoms. these can include nausea, dizziness, and even a sudden loss of bladder or bowel control. Extreme back pain, numbness and weakness are also among the symptoms that one might suffer with if they have incurred a head injury. While these are just some of the symptoms one can suffer with from a head injury, they are not the only symptoms.

No matter what the degree of injury with a spinal or head injury, one should never take these types of injuries lightly. The long term repercussions from spinal and head injuries can be life alerting. If it is believed that an individual has suffered from a spinal or head injury, they should consult a physician immediately. A battery of x-rays and tests can determine the level of severity and assure the individual’s safety.

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Acute Spinal Cord Injuries

By gina | Published: October 11, 2011

Around 12,000 to 14,000 spinal cord injuries occur in the United States every year and more than 350,000 people are living here with an injured spine. Around 43 % of these result in the acute spinal cord injuries that are caused due to the car accidents. Therefore, it is helpful for us to learn more about these spinal cord injuries.

The major nerve cluster that carries the brain inclinations and impulses to and from our brain and distributes it to various parts of our body is called spinal cord. All our body movements are controlled by these vital nerve impulses. Our central nervous system consists of our brain and the spinal cord. Therefore, any harm or damage to the spinal cord can result in a spinal cord injury. Due to this, we may lose several of our body functions such as mobility, feeling, or in the worst case scenario, both. Acute spinal cord injuries occur mostly due to traumatic occurrences such as falls, car accidents or due to certain diseases such as polio and spine bifida.

The spinal cord injuries can be further classified as:

1. Complete-These injuries often result in the paralysis where each body part below the injured spine loses all movement and sensation. These injuries means that patient will remain wheel chair bound for the rest of his or her life.

2. Incomplete- These injuries may result in a permanent loss of motor function or sensation in a person. These spinal cord injuries have multiple levels and usually involve partial feeling or movement loss. Due to the incomplete damage, few spinal nerves in the human body can still communicate effectively with the brain. Therefore, some messages sent through these nerves to the brain may still permit few body movements. Therefore, a person suffering from incomplete spinal cord injury may still be able to operate some parts of his body. These injuries may require sustained and long term physical therapy and hospital care.

There is no permanent cure for the acute spinal cord injuries but they can definitely be controlled if immediate medical care is provided to the victim. Most of the people who suffer from acute spinal cord injuries have intact but damaged spinal cords.

People suffering from acute spinal cord injuries usually deal with the excessive amount of pain after the accident often resulting in a limited or total loss of functionality in their body. If not taken care of in a proper way, acute spinal cord injuries can result in the secondary medical conditions such as respiratory problems, heart problems and reduced bowel or bladder functionality.

As recovery from the spinal cord injury is difficult due to all these complications, so the patients of acute spinal cord injuries should follow the treatment recommended to them by their doctors. An aggressive and immediate medical treatment in case of acute spinal cord injuries can not only mitigate the suffering of the patient but can go a long way in ensuring a less painful and easy life for them.

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Common Spinal Cord Injuries

By gina | Published: October 3, 2011

Accidents are often common cause for spinal injuries. Most people who have met a serious accident can have their spines dislocated. This can lead to paralysis or even death if not treated immediately. A spinal injury is caused by a trauma instead of a disease. If an area connecting to the spine is badly injured, this can cause a person to get paralyzed if left untreated. That is why a spinal cord injury needs to be administered immediate treatment hence more damage can occur. A severe neck injury can cause you a broken spine that can either be treated by undergoing therapy or can no longer be treated at all.

A person with a spine injury may suppress symptom that includes loss of sensation on areas of the body or intense pain on the area of the injury. These can range from severe to complete injuries depending on the severity of the accident incurred. Severe injuries can still allow a person feel pain in some areas near the injury yet complete or total injuries inhibits the person from feeling any sensation at all. Spinal injuries have a lot of causes including vehicular accidents, severe trauma, fall, sports injuries and a lot more. These can be treated by various means of rehabilitation and therapy. Researches including controlled hypothermia and stem cells have been conducted to develop treatment for spinal injuries.

A spinal injury can cause damage not only to the part where it is located but can spread to other areas of the body. A complete spinal injury would mean that the injured person has little chances to recover. Determining the level of the injury is crucial and can only be diagnosed by competent physicians.  Inaddition, the level of injury is determined according to the location of the veterbra of the spine column. In cases of serious injuries incurred by a person through an accident, possible outcomes are hard to predict. Spinal column injuries are often caused by dislocation, rotation, axis loading, lateral bending, hyperflexion and hyperextension of the cord. Motor and other vehicular accidents are often the most common cause of suffering from spinal injuries however most of these accidents can still be treated according to the extent of severity.

Aside from incurring the spinal injury from accidents, a person can also suffer from this through a non- traumatic origin such as cases of cancers, infection and vertebral injuries. Common spinal injuries can be determined through radiographic evaluation through the use of X-Ray, MRI or CT scan. An experienced bone doctor can assess the severity of the spinal injury and can give the appropriate treatment needed. Occupational therapy can play a great role in the management of common spine injuries. Patients are given the appropriate treatment to prevent further damage to the areas where the injury has occurred. In addition, those people who have suffered from complete spinal injuries have little hope to recover while those who haven’t got severe injuries have more chances to recover in a faster pace depending on the therapy administered.

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Spinal Injuries in Football Players

By gina | Published: September 28, 2011

One of the more difficult challenges facing commissioners and regulators who author the rule changes for professional and college football involves the inclusion of the different groups who have an agenda in the decision-making process. These parties include team physicians, the NFL medical committees the sport’s talent agents, the N.C.A.A., the NFL Player’s Association, certain retired athletes advocacy organizations, the players themselves, and from time-to-time even the U.S. Congress.

U.S. Representative John Conyers Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee recently described football-related injuries as a “life-and-death issue” during a special Congressional hearing where a panel of medical experts, pro football players, and league executives offered testimony concerning the great debate over what to do about serious long-term football injuries. The hearing was a response to a recent study undertaken by the University of Michigan which surveyed over 1,000 former professional football players which found that many former players experience a higher rate of long-term head and back problems than the general public at large. The conclusions drawn from this hearing established that professional football is a sport that when played according to the rules will involve frequent violent collisions that will cause long-term harm to some of the players, and that somehow the game of football needs to be made safer.

It is a well-established fact that more than fifty percent of all catastrophic injuries sustained by college and professional football players are cervical spine injuries. It is believed that up to 15% of all football players will at some time receive a cervical spine injury, with offensive and defensive linemen being the most vulnerable. While a great deal of media focus is at the present time being given over to head injuries like concussions, they only represent three to five percent of all the injuries suffered by football players on all levels.

Blunt force trauma as well as repetitive stresses can cause minor or career-ending spinal injuries to even the most well-conditioned football players. Repetitive bending motions and extreme torque can also put players at risk of severe neck and back strain. During the long hot summer training days of August players are at increased risk of serious spinal injury because of sustained fatigue born by bodies which are not able to provide their owners full protection to their backs and necks. Weak abdominal muscles combined with a general lack of flexibility training can also contribute to conditions leading to injury.

Rule changes that distinctively approach a particular form of injury can make a significant difference when it comes to sports injuries. In 1976 changes to the rules of college football disallowed contact between players that involved the top of the helmet. Cervical spine injuries resulting from contact with the face mask or top of the helmet can be among the most devastating of injuries sustained in all of sports, and the so-called “spearing” rule which called for a 15 yard penalty for hitting another player with the head down has resulted in a dramatic decrease in cervical spine injuries suffered by college football players, and was later adopted by the National Football League which itself reported a significant reduction in serious spinal injuries in the following years.

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Spinal Cord Injuries Paralysis

By gina | Published: September 22, 2011

Spinal cord injuries are among the worst and most devastating injuries that a person can suffer from. When getting a spinal cord injury people often lose their ability to function normally. This can include being unable to hold items, move arms, move legs and an overall loss of feeling in the body. The effects of a spinal cord injury are devastating and so it is of great importance to prevent this type of injury if possible. There are many ways to deal with spinal cord injuries and manage the effects such as getting surgery, rehabilitation and counseling. These forms of treatment will help people with this injury manage and eventually overcome the initial effects.

One of the most common effects of a spinal cord injury is paralysis. Paralysis is when a person loses their ability to physically function normally. This means that a person with a spinal cord injury is unable to stand, walk and move their legs. This is a very devastating condition and significantly changes a person’s life. When suffering paralysis people have to endure a whole new lifestyle change. As a result of paralysis people are no longer able to do certain things such as exercise with their legs. They can no longer run, swim or play sports such as tennis, basketball or soccer.

When first getting paralysis there are a number of treatments an healthcare measures available in order to either prevent or minimize the extent of the effects. First people need get their spinal cord stabilized by having braces and harnesses put on them in order to realign the spinal cord. Next people who are suffering from or are on the verge of paralysis need to get medications to reduce things such as inflammation and finally they may need to get surgery in order to remove bone fragments, repair nerves, and get the spinal cord back into proper alignment. For some people these meaures can either prevent or cure paralysis but this result is still quite rare.

For people suffering from paralysis they need to undergo intensive rehabilitation. This rehab typcially includes physical therapy and counseling. Physical therapy helps people regain their ability to react, hold objects as well as regain strength in their arms and hands. This process is quite intensive but it helps people get back their ability to do everyday functions that don’t require walking and standing. Then there is the emotional and mental part of the rehab process. During this phase people suffering from paralysis learn how to function with their new condition and also receive emotional support on how to best deal with and cope with the condition of paralysis.

Having paralysis is very difficult and has devastating effects on a person’s life. However with numerous resources and treatments available, people suffering from paralysis will be in a good position to cope with the effects and still be able to live a satisfactory lifestyle. Spinal cord injuires and paralysis are among the worst injuries one can suffer from but they are also both preventable and manageable.

 

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Neck and Spinal Injuries

By gina | Published: September 19, 2011

Neck and spinal injuries can cause serious damage to a person’s body which can lead to getting paralyzed or even death. These kinds of injuries occur during unwanted accidents where the spine is severely damaged. Paralysis is the result of a broken neck and spine but is depending on the level of the injury incurred by the spine. An extensive paralysis is determined when the injury is closer to the neck.After an accident has occurred, you will be able to determine if the person has a serious neck or spinal injury if the head or the neck has an odd position or is dislocated. If pain is felt from the neck down to the spine, possible injury can also be possible. Additional signs on a spinal injury can be determined if the person who has met the accident is feeling a tingling pain on the arms down to the leg and other body parts.

You can actually check on the intensity of the injury by pinching the fingers or the toes. Also, you can tryto squeeze the victim’s hands or feet to check if the body has been paralyzed. If you are able to feel pain while pinching or squeezing a part of the body, then you are not paralyzed. However, if numbness takes place then you can infer that the injury is severe and can probably result to paralysis. In the event thatneck and spinal injuries have taken place, first aid can be administered while waiting for the intensive care unit to arrive. In addition, you should be able to take immediate action for a broken neck or spine to avoid worse case scenarios that can lead to eventual death.

A person can break his neck by performing heavy duty tasks such as lifting or carrying materials that are more than his body’s limit. This can lead to sudden fracture that should be administered with immediate treatment hence severe pain can continuously pain. Other activities which involve sudden
twists, risky jumps and the like are also probable causes of getting a neck and spinal injuries. Activities such as gymnastics, skiing, basketball and a lot more can be causes of getting an injury. To avoid this, an individual must be careful and should not exceed the body’s limitations on performing such tasks and
activities.

You must call on immediate medical assistance to treat the injury. However, you can also administer proper first aid while waiting for the intensive care. The victim should be restricted from moving or should not be moved from the spot where he has fallen or incurred the injury until the medical team arrives. They should administer the proper methods of getting the victim up from the place where the individual is currently lying. The victim should always be kept warm while constantly checking on vital signs. It is necessary to know immediate treatments to administer to a person who has incurred neck or spinal injuries so that you will be prepared when the unexpected occurs.

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Spinal Cord Injuries in Children

By gina | Published: September 19, 2011

There are steps that parents can take to deal with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) in children. However, the best way to do this is to learn as much as you possibly can about spinal cord injuries in children. The spinal cord is a string of nerve tissue that transports information from the brain to other parts of the body. Most spinal cord injuries happen when there is a partial tear or a complete tear of the cord. Keep in mind as you are reading that a complete tear is called a transaction and a partial tear is called a contusion. These questions will be considered: What are the causes of SCI? How is it treated? What can be done to prevent SCI?

First, most spinal cord injuries in children occur when there is direct trauma to the spinal cord. Sixty to 75% of SCI injuries are found in the neck. SCI can develop during birth or when a child may have been participating in a sporting event. This injury can happen when a child is playing. Car accidents and gunshot wounds have caused spinal cord injuries in children. An infection or a disease can also damage the spinal cord. It is not uncommon to find children suffering from a spinal injury due to a violent act against them. Genetics may also play a role in SCI.

Next, there are many methods that are used by medical professionals to treat spinal cord injuries in children. Wise Young, Ph.D., MD, at Rutgers University, stated that, “when people are injured, it is a complete or incomplete injury.” Doctors will treat patients based on the extent of the injury. Treatment methods and options will vary based on the child’s medical history, age, and health. Physicians study and review the condition of the spinal cord to help patients make informed medical decisions about treatments. Medications are commonly prescribed and physical therapy is often needed. Spinal cord surgery is sometimes needed along with aggressive therapeutic treatments.

Then, there are steps that parents can take to help prevent spinal cord injuries in children. Make sure that your child avoids participating in sports or activities that may cause a spinal injury. High risk sports such as extreme sports or American Park our exercises increases the chances of this type of injury. Teach your children about seat belt safety by making sure they wear their seat belt at all times. Children that are playing sports should wear properly designed protective gear that will reduce the chances of a spinal cord injury. Do not hesitate to have an MRI, Cat-Scan or X-Rays performed if you suspect that your child may have a spine injury.

Finally, Spina Bifida, Scheuermann’s disease, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and Neoplastic cancerous lesions are associated with spinal cord injuries in children. Injuries in the middle of the back affect the legs and are referred to as paraplegia. An injury to the neck, chest, or arms is referred to as quadriplegia. Taking steps and learning information about spinal cord injuries in children will help parents know the causes, seek treatment, and try to prevent an injury.

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How to Treat Spinal Cord Injuries

By gina | Published: September 15, 2011

Few injuries in life are as devastating and traumatic then spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries have devastating effects such as losing feeling in the legs, arms torso and also the loss of ability to walk, stand and run. When getting a spinal cord injury a person’s life will likely be drastically changed and therefore they will need to make significant adjustments. For those that suffer spinal cord injuries there are numerous treatments available and ways to overcome the effects of spinal cord injuries. These treatments include medication, surgery, stabilization, physical therapy, and counseling. With these treatment options people with spinal cord injuries will be able to deal with this more effectively.

The first form of treatment for spinal cord injuries is stabilization. This includes a process where a healthcare provider performs tasks to get the neck and spinal column aligned properly. During this process the person gets either a neck brace or harness which connects from the head to the torso and they are placed on a stretcher in order to keep their body in line.The stabilization of the spinal cord is a first step in treating spinal cord injuries as it prevents and minimizes the extent of the injury.

Next taking medication is a step in treating a spinal cord injury. When taking medication people with spinal cord injuries get substances that provide relief such as reducing and eliminating inflammation in the spinal cord. This helps minimize the effects of the injury and in some cases may provide the patient a good chance at recovering from this injury.

Another form of treatment option is surgery. Surgery provides many benefits such as removing hazardous objects from the body and spinal area, getting nerves repaired and getting the spinal column back in proper alignment. Getting surgery can be arguably the most important form of treatment of spinal cord injuries. This is because if done properly and soon enough, a person with this injury will have a good chance at regaining normal functioning and be able to acheive full recovery.

After a person gets the first three treatments for spinal cord injuries the next form of treatment is physical therapy. When receiving physcial therapy, people with spinal cord injuries will be able to get assistance in walking for short distances with certain devices and learn how to use and get around on a wheelchair. They also learn how to function without walking such as performing everyday tasks that don’t require walking or standing. During this part of the treatment process, a person learns how to regain strength and functioning in their arms and hands along with getting back their motor skills such as reacting, holding things, writing, moving their arms and carrying items, This is another very important form of treatment for spinal cord injuries.

 

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Spinal Cord Pain Relief

By gina | Published: September 15, 2011

A game of basketball, baseball, football and others that use rapid body movements can cause the injury to happen. Often times, the causes for spinal cord injury are sports-related. Other cases such as vehicular accidents, slips, falls and trips are among common causes of having a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries can cause you a lot of pain if left without treatment. However, you must have immediate action once a sudden spinal cord injury occurs to give relief to the area around the injured part.

People often think that the part to be given treatment is only the spinal cord where the injury has occurred. This is a misconception since areas around the spinal cord region are also affected hence creating a very painful sensation. It is very difficult to determine which area is the exact source of pain from people who are suppressing this condition. Although there are a lot of available treatments for long-term use, an immediate relief is a good way to stop the condition from worsening. The pain relief you administer can help reduce the pain you feel not only in the spinal cord but as well as in other areas where it continuously ache.

On the other hand, you have to understand the pain which is caused by the spinal cord injury before giving relief treatment. This will help you determine the best possible way to treat it since there has been no found study to permanently cure a damaged spinal cord. Nevertheless, there are numerous treatments that can give relief to pain felt in the regions located near the spine. There are two types of spinal cord injury that can cause severe pain that includes complete paralysis and incomplete paralysis. A complete paralysis will not allow you to have any movement at all while an incomplete paralysis can get you to move yet with painful sensations.
To be able to give relief treatment, you can take medication together with modified physical activities. Rehabilitation therapy is also a good way to give relief treatment which can also result to lessen the continuous pain felt in different parts of the body.

However, neuropathic pain felt by a person with SCI condition is the most difficult to give treatment for relief. Medicated drugs are given to lessen the pain although it cannot be completely stopped. This means that reoccurrence can be possible even after series of treatment for relief.

Due to inevitable daily activities, you can also get muscular overuse. This is not a good thing especially when you already have a spinal cord injury condition. Your doctor or your therapist can help you relieve the pain after overdoing an activity. To be safe, do light to moderate work to keep the condition stable and to stop the pain from getting even worst. It is always a good idea to consult your physician for relief treatment that corresponds the condition of your spinal cord injury condition.

 

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