Spinal cord injuries are usually the result of sudden, traumatic blow to the spine. When the vertebrae fractures or dislocates and bone fragments, disc material, or ligaments tear into the soft spinal tissue damage begins. The spinal cord is not always severed, but when it is paralysis is immediate and permanent. Over 11,000 cases of spinal injuries occur every year. The leading cause is car accidents. Falls, workplace injuries and violent acts are other major contributors to paralyzing spinal cord injury. The tragic reality is that most of these injuries result from someone’s negligence other than the victim. Spinal cord injuries will change the victims entire future.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Quadriplegia- Quadriplegia is also known as tetraplegia, is caused by a severe injury to the spinal cord in the neck region and results in the loss of use in the lower body including the arms and legs.
- Paraplegia- Paraplegia is caused by an injury to the spinal cord below the neck and results in the loss of sensation and bodily movement in the legs.
Spinal Cord Injuries Outcomes
Besides the loss of sensation and movement in the extremities, spinal cord victims may also lose the control of body functions such as the bladder, bowels, breathing, and in men, sexual function. Involuntary functions such as the ability to regulate blood pressure and boy temperature are often effected.
There is currently no cure for spinal cord injuries. The goal of rehabilitation focuses on limiting further damage to the damaged tissue and teaching people with these injuries how to return to a productive and meaningful life. Rehabilitation specialists are able to teach patients how to regain lost muscle strength and to manage their day-to-day activities. Physical therapy session can be long term and expensive as can be the on-going medical services required to maintain an injured person’s health after spinal cord injuries.
