Spinal Injuries

What are spinal injuries?

Spinal injuries cause damage to your spinal cord or the surrounding nerves and tissues. These injuries can affect any part of your spine, including the following:

Cervical spine

This section of the spine is in your neck. It runs from the base of your skull to your shoulders. 

Thoracic spine

This section of the spine runs from your shoulders to just above your belly button. It’s also called the mid-back. 

Lumbar spine

This section of the spine is in your lower back. It runs from your belly button to just above your buttocks.

Sacral spine

This section is at the very bottom of your back. It contains the nerve roots below your tailbone and bottom.

What are the symptoms of spinal injuries?

Spinal injury symptoms include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Pins and needles sensations
• Weakness
• Muscle spasms
• Slow heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Urinary or bowel incontinence
• Erectile dysfunction

These symptoms range in severity and depend on which area of your spine is damaged.

How are spinal injuries diagnosed?

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your injury and symptoms. Then, they complete a physical exam and a neurological evaluation. 

Your provider also orders diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI, and completes several diagnostic tests, including electromyography and a nerve conduction test. These screens measure the amount of electrical signals that reach your muscles and help pinpoint nerve and spinal cord damage.  

How are spinal injuries treated?

Premier Injury Providers treats spinal injuries using an integrative and patient-centered approach. They might suggest:

• Prescription steroids to reduce inflammation and swelling around the spinal cord
• Traction therapy
• Wearing a splint, brace, halo, or another support device
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Neuroregenerative treatments to help your spinal cord repair itself

Sometimes, spinal injuries require surgical intervention. Surgery relieves pressure on your spinal cord and repairs damage to your spinal cord and the surrounding tissues.

Is there any way to prevent spinal injuries?

Spinal injuries are almost always accidental. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Premier Injury Providers recommends always wearing your seatbelt and driving defensively, preventing falls, and wearing the proper safety equipment when working or playing contact sports. 

Call the nearest Premier Injury Providers office to schedule spinal cord injury treatment, or book your appointment online today.