Early Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Injuries
A spinal injury is one of the most catastrophic injuries to sustain. Damage to the spinal cord can cause pain, suffering and in worst case scenarios, paralysis.
Here are signs and symptoms of spinal injuries and what you should do if you experience them.
What Is a Spinal Injury?
A spinal injury is damage to the spinal cord or spinal column. This can affect the nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of your body. Depending on the severity and location of the damage, this can lead to paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia).
The injury may result from trauma due to an accident or fall. Underlying conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis can also cause spinal injury. Early diagnosis through MRI scans, X-rays and CT scans are crucial to mitigate long-term effects.
The 4 Types of Spinal Injuries
Cervical
- Location: Occur in the neck region (C1 to C7).
- Effects: These injuries are the most severe as they can impact all four limbs (quadriplegia or tetraplegia). Damage in the cervical spine can also impair breathing, requiring ventilator support.
- Symptoms: Loss of sensation and motor function in arms, legs, and torso; difficulty breathing; limited head and neck movement.
- Causes: Often results from traumatic events such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
Thoracic
- Location: Affect the upper and middle back (T1 to T12).
- Effects: Typically result in paraplegia, affecting the lower body, but spare the upper body and arms.
- Symptoms: Loss of function and sensation in the legs; impaired bowel and bladder control; potential spasticity.
- Causes: High-impact trauma such as car crashes or falls from height.
Lumbar
- Location: Occur in the lower back (L1 to L5).
- Effects: These injuries often lead to partial or complete paralysis of the legs but leave the upper body unaffected.
- Symptoms: Weakness or loss of sensation in the legs; bowel and bladder dysfunction; severe lower back pain.
- Causes: Heavy lifting, falls or physical strain.
Sacral
- Location: Found in the sacral region (S1 to S5), the lowest part of the spine near the pelvis.
- Effects: These injuries are less common and typically cause loss of function in the hips and legs, with minimal impact on upper body strength.
- Symptoms: Difficulty walking, loss of bowel and bladder control and weakness in the hips or legs.
- Causes: Direct trauma or compression injuries.
Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Injuries
- Back Pain or Neck Pain: Persistent pain in the back or neck could indicate a spinal fracture or nerve damage. Such pain may worsen with movement or pressure.
- Loss of Sensation: Numbness or a tingling sensation in the limbs could point to nerve compression or damage.
- Weakness or Paralysis: A loss of strength in the arms or legs may suggest an issue in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine.
- Difficulty Walking: Trouble maintaining balance or coordination may indicate a compromised spinal cord.
- Bladder or Bowel Dysfunction: Losing control of bladder or bowel movements can be a sign of spinal damage in the lower back.
- Spasms and Muscle Tightness: Involuntary muscle spasms are often linked to spinal injuries and related neurological impairments.
- Shooting Pain: Sharp, radiating pain especially in the legs, may be caused by conditions like sciatica or a herniated disc.
Complications With Spinal Injury
Practical Tips for Caregivers
Spinal injuries can have severe complications, causing paralysis to certain body parts and limbs. These complications include :
Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia: Quadriplegia or tetraplegia is paralysis from the neck down. It affects all four limbs, plus the torso, hence the term “quad” (latin for four).
This form of paralysis is caused by damage in the upper spine (cervical) – the higher the injury, the more severe the damage. Some injuries can even be fatal as it disrupts control over breathing and other critical functions.
Paraplegia: Paraplegia or partial paralysis, is a form of paralysis that affects the lower body. This includes the toes, feet, legs and sometimes, abdomen. It occurs when there is significant damage to the thoracic or lumbar regions.
Depending on the severity of the damage, patients may be subjected to using a wheelchair.
Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD): AD is a life threatening syndrome that causes a severe rise in blood pressure. Other symptoms include headaches, hypertension and heart arrhythmia. AD cases occur due to thoracic spine injuries.
They usually surface within two to three months after the injury.
Sepsis: Sepsis is a severe condition where the body responds to an infection. This can result in widespread inflammation and impaired organ function.
For individuals with spinal injuries, the risk of sepsis is heightened due to complications such as pressure sores, urinary tract infection (UTI) and respiratory infection.
If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of spinal injuries, it is crucial to get yourself checked immediately. Some injuries may subside depending on their severity. On the other hand, more severe injuries can lead to long-term damage and complications.
If you, a family member or friend are experiencing these complications, do not hesitate to call us for help. We have the tools and experts to get you back on track!
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