Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a critical part of the central nervous system, serving as the primary communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. Protected by the vertebrae of the spine, the spinal cord controls movement, sensation, reflexes, and many essential bodily functions.

When the spinal cord is injured, these signals may be disrupted, leading to varying degrees of sensory and motor impairment. While some spinal cord injuries cause temporary symptoms, others can lead to permanent changes in function. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for spinal injuries, including spinal fractures, spinal cord compression, and other traumatic spine conditions.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury occurs when damage affects the spinal cord or the nerves surrounding it. The injury may result from direct trauma to the spinal cord itself or from compression caused by fractured vertebrae, bone fragments, disc material, or swelling.

Spinal cord injuries can impact:

• Movement
• Sensation
• Balance and coordination
• Reflexes
• Bladder and bowel function
• Overall mobility and independence

The severity of symptoms depends on where the injury occurs and how much of the spinal cord is affected.

What Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Are There?

Spinal cord injuries are often categorized by the extent of neurological impairment.

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of sensation and motor function below the level of the injury. Communication between the brain and the affected areas is completely disrupted.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

An incomplete spinal cord injury allows some nerve signals to continue passing through the injured area. Patients may retain varying degrees of movement, sensation, or function below the injury site.

Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Cervical injuries occur in the neck region and may affect the arms, hands, trunk, and legs. These injuries are often the most serious because they can impact large portions of the body.

Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury

Injuries affecting the mid-back or lower back typically affect the trunk, legs, and lower body while preserving upper extremity function.

What Causes Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries most commonly occur following significant trauma.

Common causes include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls
• Sports-related injuries
• Diving accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Direct trauma to the spine
• Fractures of the vertebrae
• Severe spinal dislocations
• Compression fractures
• Penetrating injuries

Older adults may face an increased risk of spinal injuries due to falls and osteoporosis-related fractures.

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the injury.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Neck pain or back pain
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Numbness or tingling
• Loss of sensation
• Difficulty walking
• Balance problems
• Loss of coordination
• Muscle spasms
• Loss of bladder control
• Loss of bowel control
• Paralysis
• Difficulty breathing in severe cases

Because spinal cord injuries are medical emergencies, immediate evaluation is essential whenever these symptoms occur following trauma.

How Is a Spinal Cord Injury Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a spinal cord injury begins with an urgent medical evaluation.

Diagnostic evaluation may include:

• Review of symptoms and injury history
• Physical examination
• Neurological assessment
• Strength testing
• Sensory evaluation
• Reflex testing
• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI imaging
• Spinal stability assessment

Advanced imaging helps identify fractures, spinal cord compression, soft tissue injuries, and other conditions affecting the spinal column.

How Is a Spinal Cord Injury Treated?

Treatment focuses on protecting the spinal cord, preventing additional damage, and maximizing function and recovery.

What Nonsurgical Treatments Are Available for Spinal Cord Injuries?

Some spinal injuries can be managed with conservative treatment and rehabilitation.

Nonsurgical treatment options may include:

• Immobilization with braces
• Pain management
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Activity modification
• Assistive devices
• Neurologic rehabilitation
• Strength and mobility training

Rehabilitation often plays a critical role in helping patients regain independence and function.

When Is Surgery Recommended for Spinal Cord Injuries?

Surgery may be necessary when:

• Spinal cord compression is present
• Vertebral fractures create instability
• Bone fragments are pressing on nerves
• Significant spinal deformity develops
• Neurological symptoms are worsening

Surgical options may include:

• Spinal decompression procedures
• Fracture stabilization
• Spinal fusion
• Instrumentation with rods and screws
• Reconstruction of spinal alignment

The specific procedure depends on the location and severity of the injury.

What Does Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Look Like?

Recovery varies considerably depending on the extent of the injury, the location of spinal cord involvement, and the treatments performed.

Recovery may include:

• Hospital-based rehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Strengthening exercises
• Mobility training
• Gait training when appropriate
• Use of assistive devices
• Ongoing neurological monitoring

While some patients experience substantial recovery, others may require long-term rehabilitation and support. Early treatment and rehabilitation often provide the best opportunity for maximizing function and independence.

What Complications Can Occur if a Spinal Cord Injury Is Left Untreated?

Without prompt medical intervention, spinal cord injuries can lead to serious long-term complications.

Potential complications include:

• Permanent nerve damage
• Chronic pain
• Paralysis
• Persistent weakness
• Loss of sensation
• Mobility limitations
• Bladder dysfunction
• Bowel dysfunction
• Balance problems
• Reduced quality of life

Immediate evaluation and treatment are critical to reducing the risk of permanent neurological damage.

Get Expert Spinal Cord Injury Care at Fox Valley Orthopedics

Spinal cord injuries are serious conditions that require prompt diagnosis, specialized care, and comprehensive rehabilitation. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our experienced spine specialists provide advanced evaluation and treatment for spinal injuries, fractures, spinal cord compression, and other complex spine conditions.

Whether your treatment involves rehabilitation, spinal stabilization, decompression procedures, fracture management, or surgery, our team is committed to helping you regain function, mobility, and confidence. If you’ve experienced a spinal injury or are concerned about symptoms affecting your spine or nervous system, schedule an appointment with Fox Valley Orthopedics today by calling (855) 386-7846 to discuss your treatment options and take the first step toward recovery.