Causes Of Spinal Cord Injury - What Are They And How Can They Be Avoided?

The spinal cord is the structure in your body that is responsible for the most important roles. It creates a connection between your head and your lower back. So what will happen to you if your spinal cord gets injured? What are the causes of spinal cord injury?

The spinal cord is responsible for sending nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body, as well as vice versa. You are able to feel feelings and move your body as a result of these nerve signals.

Your ability to move or perform functions can be negatively impacted by any damage to your spinal cord.

What Is A Spinal Cord Injury?

COPYRIGHT_SPINE: Published on https://spinal-injury.net/causes-of-spinal-cord-injury/ by Dr. Bill Butcher on 2022-09-28T04:10:07.269Z

A spinal cord injury causes damage to either the spinal cord itself or the tissues and bones that are located nearby. It is possible that you will lose function or movement in different sections of your body, depending on the extent of the damage.

Surgical procedures, medicine, and physical therapy are all forms of treatment. A more recent strategy involves activating the nerves that are already at the action.

The brain and the rest of the body talk to each other through the spinal cord. The spinal cord is protected by a column of vertebrae and layers of tissue called meninges. Most injuries to the spinal cord are caused by a sudden, hard blow to the spine.

When the bones are broken, they hurt the spinal cord and nerves. In rare cases, a serious injury can completely cut the spinal cord in two.

The Main Causes Of Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury is often caused by a sudden accident or act of violence. All of the following things can hurt the spinal cord:

• a violent attack, like a stabbing or a gunshot
• falling into shallow water and hitting the bottom
• getting hurt in a car accident, especially to the face, head, neck, back, or chest
• falling from a great height and getting hurt in the head or spine, and so on.
• electrical accidents
• a lot of twisting in the middle of the body

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most spinal cord injuries are caused by car accidents, falls, and acts of violence (including attempted suicide). A large number of traumatic spinal cord injuries happen at work or while playing sports.

Causes Of Acute Spinal Cord Injury

• Falls.
• Motor vehicle accidents (automobiles, motorcycles, and being struck as a pedestrian)
• Sports injuries.
• Diving accidents.
• Trampoline accidents.
• Violence (gunshot or stab wounds)
• Infections form an abscess on the spinal cord.

Individuals Most Exposed To Spinal Cord Injury

More than half of spinal cord injuries happen to people between the ages of 16 and 30. Most of the time falls kill older people. People who play sports, especially sports that are dangerous. People who have problems with their bones or joints, such as arthritis or osteoporosis.

People Also Ask

What Are The 5 Signs Of A Spinal Injury?

• Weakness in the arms and or legs.
• Decreased sensation in the arms and or legs.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Severe pain or pressure in the neck or back.
• Unusual lumps along the spine.
• Difficulty breathing.

Can Spinal Injury Be Cured?

There is no way to fix damage to the spinal cord, which is sad. But scientists are always working on new treatments, like prostheses and medicines, that might help nerve cells grow back or make the nerves that are still working after a spinal cord injury work better.

How Can Spinal Injuries Be Prevented?

Put on a seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a car. This is important for kids to know. Make sure to put child safety seats in the car the right way. Never get behind the wheel of a car while drunk or high, and don't ride with someone who has.

Final Word

Living with a spinal cord injury can be hard, and that can make you sad or anxious. Changes in your body could make these problems worse. For example, some medications can change how your brain handles certain neurotransmitters, which can make you more likely to get a mental illness

About The Authors

Dr. Bill Butcher - With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Bill Butcher aims to provide a repository for educational materials, sources of information, details of forthcoming events, and original articles related to the medical field and about health subjects that matter to you. His goal is to help make your life better, to help you find your way when faced with healthcare decisions, and to help you feel better about your health and that of your family. Bill received his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and spent his entire career helping people find the health and medical information, support, and services they need. His mission is to help millions of people feel fantastic by restoring them to optimal health.