Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is a traumatic event that may affect someone’s life and lifestyle. Treatments can’t reverse damage. But there are ways to adjust and cope.

We offer expert care for people affected by spinal cord injuries and those who care for them.

What Are Spinal Cord Injuries?

Nerve bundles that make up your spinal cord allow your brain and the rest of your body to communicate. For example, messages tell your lungs to take in air, your legs to move and your hand to get off a hot burner on the stove.

When any part of your spinal cord is damaged, messages like these may not get through. An injury may completely sever the spinal cord, or vertebrae that form your spinal canal may fracture and compress your spinal cord. In either case, these injuries may change your ability to move and function.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two main types of spinal cord injuries:

  • A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of sensation and muscle control below the injury.
  • An incomplete spinal cord injury means some function remains below the level of the injury.

When an injury occurs to the upper portion of the spine, in the neck region, someone may be unable to move both arms and both legs. When the spinal cord is injured in the lower back, a person’s legs may be paralyzed, but their arms may function normally.

Doctor holds up a model of the spine.

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Whether you are just beginning your spine care journey or already have diagnosed spine pain, the team of caregivers are right here to support you with non-surgical and surgical solutions.

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Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord may result from loss of blood supply, compression by a tumor or infection, or trauma. The most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

  • Diving into shallow water
  • Falls
  • Serious collisions during a sporting event
  • Vehicle crashes
  • Violence

Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries

Currently, doctors have no treatments to reverse damage to the spinal cord. However, they can offer options to help address complications and stop further damage. And researchers and scientists continue to look for promising therapies.

If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury, our specialists will talk with you about the best treatment options given the location and extent of the injury. Together, you decide how to proceed.

Some options include:

Experimental treatments may help, too. For example, some therapies may help stop cell death, control inflammation or promote nerve repair or regeneration. We work together to find the treatment or treatments right for you.

Caring for a Loved One With a Spinal Cord Injury

Caring for someone with a spinal cord injury isn’t easy. At times, it can feel overwhelming. But caregivers are invaluable to those with these injuries. Following are some tips that may benefit you and the person you care for:

  • Ask questions. Don’t hesitate to speak up whenever you have a question or concern or need further explanation. We’re happy to provide more information.
  • Designated one friend or family member to share planned treatments, progress and updates with others. People will want to help and know how your loved one is doing.
  • Find a friend or family member who you can talk to honestly and openly.
  • Give jobs to family and friends that you don’t have time to get to yourself, such as walking pets or mowing the grass.
  • Identify tasks that your loved one can accomplish independently and avoid doing those tasks for them.
  • Take care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water and sleep when you can. Make time for yourself, too. Schedule other people to spend time with your loved one, so you can get a break and do something you enjoy. Self-care should be a priority so you can be there for your loved one.
  • Talk to the care team to find out what your loved one will need at home and begin preparing for their return.
  • Visit and talk with your loved one often. Find activities you can do together, such as playing cards or watching a favorites television show.

We’re Right Here to Help

With unmatched experience in diagnosing and treating spine pain, your condition will be carefully evaluated by the team of experts at the Spine Center as we work with you to develop a customized treatment plan. Highly skilled and caring providers, plus state-of-the-art technology and treatments, means you’re at the right place for exceptional patient care.

Affiliations with OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and Mayfield Brain & Spine ensure you receive the highest possible level of spine care.