- February 20, 2025
- 4:58 pm
The spine plays a vital role in your body. It provides essential structure and support, enabling smooth movement. Damage to the spinal cord can greatly affect your ability to move or function optimally.
This is commonly known as a spinal cord injury (SCI), one of the most devastating injuries to sustain.
Here is everything you need to know about an SCI, its causes, symptoms and how to manage it better :
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) involves damage to the spinal cord, a crucial component of the central nervous system. It is responsible for transmitting signals that enable movement, sensation and other bodily functions.
An SCI can disrupt communication between the brain and body, affecting these signals. Depending on the severity and location of damage, this can result in partial or complete loss of your body function. There are two primary types of SCI :
Complete Spinal Cord Injury
Happens when the spinal cord is fully severed or severely damaged.This can lead to total loss of movement and sensation below the injury site.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Partial function and sensation may remain as some signals can still travel through the damaged area.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
SCIs are classified as traumatic or non-traumatic. A traumatic spinal cord injury is commonly caused by accidents such as car crashes or falls. This is followed by violence, self harm and sports injuries.
Traumatic SCIs are the most common, resulting from sudden and severe impact to the spine. A non-traumatic spinal cord injury stems from medical conditions. This includes infections, tumours or spinal cord compression.
Although initially uncommon, non-traumatic SCIs are slowly increasing, especially in older people. This is due to the rise in non-communable diseases such as tumours and vascular conditions.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified based on the location of injury and the extent of damage. Understanding these distinctions will help determine the severity and potential outcomes of the injury.
These classifications include:
Complete vs Incomplete Injuries
Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A complete SCI results in the total loss of motor and sensory function. This occurs when the spinal cord is entirely severed or severely damaged.
Recovery is often limited, with most individuals requiring assistive devices or caregiving support.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In an incomplete SCI, the spinal cord is only partially damaged. This allows some nerve signals to pass through. The degree of retained function is based on the extent and location of the injury.
With spinal cord rehabilitation, some individuals may recover partial mobility or sensation over time.
Levels of Injury
Cervical (C1-C7): These injuries are the most severe as they can impair all four limbs. Injuries at higher cervical levels can also impact breathing, requiring ventilator support.
Thoracic (T1-T12): These injuries impact the chest and mid-back. Arm and hand function is usually retained. Some individuals may experience impaired mobility in the legs and lower torso.
Lumbar (L1-L5): Lumbar injuries often result in loss of hip and leg movement. The upper body remains functional where some individuals retain partial mobility with assistive devices like crutches or braces.
Sacral (S1-S5): Sacral injuries primarily affect the pelvis, bladder, bowel and sexual function. Mobility is often preserved, but individuals may struggle with certain bodily functions.
Symptoms and Complications
SCIs can lead to a wide range of symptoms and complications. This includes a loss of sensation or paralysis in certain areas. Other complications include bowel dysfunction, respiratory issues, loss of coordination and more.
Here is a closer look at these symptoms and complications:
Paralysis
Paralysis can come in many different forms. This includes:
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): This type of paralysis affects all four limbs and the torso. It is usually caused by injuries to the cervical spinal cord and may impair breathing.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia results in the loss of movement and sensation in the lower half of the body. This includes the legs and in some cases, parts of the abdomen. This typically occurs from injuries to the thoracic, lumbar or sacral spine.
- Partial Paralysis: Individuals may retain some level of sensation or motor function below the injury site. The extent of paralysis depends on how much the spinal cord is damaged.
Bowel Dysfunction
Disrupted communication between the brain and digestive system can cause bowel dysfunction. This is known as neurogenic bowel syndrome. Common symptoms include unintentional leaks and difficulty passing stool.
Bladder Dysfunction
Similar to bowel dysfunction, the injury may interfere with the brain and bladder. This can result in urinary incontinence and the inability to fully empty your bladder.
Respiratory Issues
Injuries involving the cervical spine can cause respiratory issues. This can impair the muscles needed for breathing, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. This can also increase the risk of infections like pneumonia.
Loss of Coordination
SCIs can lead to impaired coordination and balance. This includes difficulty with fine motor skills such as holding or moving objects. Spasticity may further affect movement and increase the risk of falls.
Depression
An SCI can affect your mental health just as much as your physical. Depression is common among SCI victims, often stemming from lifestyle changes and loss of independence.
Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Injuries
Physical Test: Physical testing includes a comprehensive evaluation of movement, sensation and reflexes. This will help determine the extent and location of spinal cord damage.
Healthcare professionals will assess the patients ability to move limbs, respond to touch and react to other sensory stimuli.
X-Rays: X-rays can reveal the damage around your spinal cord. This includes fractures, dislocations or structural abnormalities. While they cannot show soft tissue injuries, X-rays are useful for identifying bone injuries that may impact spinal cord function.
CT Scan: A CT scan provides a more detailed view of the spine. CT scans are especially helpful when assessing complex spinal injuries or when X-rays alone are inconclusive.
MRI: An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the most effective imaging technique for spinal cord injuries. It provides detailed images of soft tissues, allowing doctors to evaluate the spinal cord itself. This can help detect inflammation and bleeding.
Treatment and Management
There is no way to reverse a spinal cord injury. At the moment, spinal cord treatments focus on preventing recurring injuries. This includes managing and improving quality of life through rehabilitation and supportive therapies.
- Emergency Responses: Immediate attention is crucial following a spinal cord injury. This typically involves ensuring proper spine alignment and immobilisation.
Healthcare professionals will also address life-threatening conditions such as breathing difficulties, bleeding or other internal injuries.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary depending on the severity of the injury. Procedures can include spinal decompression to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Early intervention can prevent further damage and improve the likelihood of recovery.
- Medication: Doctors may prescribe pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and reduce swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy such as gait training, strengthening and balancing are key components for rehabilitation. These therapies aim to improve mobility and enhance muscle strength. They must be performed by SCI victims of all severities.
- Psychotherapy: Repairing the mind is just as important as the body. Having a healthy mind can even help with physical recovery. If you feel your mental health deteriorating, seeking therapy can provide the support you need.
- Assistive Devices: Assistive devices like wheelchairs, braces and walkers are critical for early rehabilitation. Advanced technology like exoskeletons can also boost mobility and confidence by enabling users to stand and walk more freely.
At the end of the day, it is crucial to implement a multidisciplinary approach. While it’s essential to remain hopeful about spinal cord recovery and repair, it’s equally vital to acknowledge that the process is not always straightforward and, most importantly, not guaranteed.
Remember to work together with your healthcare team to ensure the best outcomes.
Living with Spinal Cord Injury
Living with SCI is hard but not impossible. According to a report in 2021, more than 15 million people are living with SCI globally. Individuals can successfully adapt to their new circumstances with the right support, rehabilitation and mindset.
Living with SCI often involves adjustments to daily routines. With the help of medical care, physical therapy and assistive devices, individuals can regain independence and lead fulfilling lives.
Support groups, rehabilitation programs and access to resources can also make this transition easier. Every person’s journey is unique, but determination and a strong support system can help improve your quality of life and foster a sense of normalcy.
Advances in Research and Treatment
Technology is advancing rapidly. Breakthroughs in medical research and innovative treatments are transforming the possibilities for recovery. Regenerative medicine, such as stem cell therapy, shows promise in repairing damaged nerve tissues and potentially restoring lost function.
Neuroprosthetics are helping people regain mobility through assistive devices that can be controlled by thought. Rehabilitation robotics, like exoskeletons, are helping individuals relearn motor skills and enhance physical strength.
Additionally, research into pharmaceutical therapies aims to reduce inflammation and promote nerve regeneration after an injury. These treatments are still evolving but they do underline the commitment of the medical community in finding a solution.
Prevention of Spinal Cord Injuries
Prevention is the ultimate remedy. Although a permanent cure is not available yet, you can still take proactive steps to minimise the risk of a life-altering event. This includes:
- Driving Safely: Car crashes are one of the most common causes of SCIs. Always wear your seatbelt, obey traffic laws and avoid distractions while driving. If you are riding a motorcycle, make sure to wear a helmet and proper protective gear.
- Staying Safe During Sports: High-impact sports come with a risk of spinal injuries. Stay safe while playing and avoid putting yourself in risky situations. Unless you are a professional athlete, putting yourself in the line of fire is not worth the risk.
- Preventing Falls: Simple precautions like watching your surroundings can help prevent falls. Installing grab bars in bathrooms and using anti slip mats can make your home safer, especially for older people.
- Staying Safe at Work: Jobs that involve heavy lifting or high-risk environments require proper training and protective equipment. Following workplace safety guidelines can help prevent accidents that may lead to spinal injuries.
- Avoiding Violence: Violent acts including assault is a significant cause for spinal cord injuries worldwide. Avoiding violence begins with fostering a safe environment in your home, community and social circle.
Conclusion
A spinal cord injury is a serious matter and should be ignored.. Understanding these implications can empower you to make informed decisions. If you or a family member are experiencing SCI symptoms in Singapore, therapy (physical and mental) is your next step to recovery.
Contact us to find out more.
Rina Choo Xue Li
Principal Physiotherapist
Degree in Physiotherapy at SIT, Eight Years of Experience In Community Rehabilitation
Website : https://www.kjtherapysg.com/
Phone Number : 97504888
