Spinal cord injuries are always a concern because of the damage they can do to your brain and body. An estimated 250,000-500,000 people suffer spinal cord injuries every year.
If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury, it's essential to prepare and know the facts.
To save you time, we've compiled everything you know about the different types of spinal injuries.
Spinal Cord Anatomy
When it comes to spine injuries, it's important to know the anatomy of your spine. Your spine is a long column of nerves with 33 butterfly-shaped vertebrae.
The four main spinal regions are the cervical spinal cord, the thoracic spinal cord, the lumbar spinal cord, and the sacral spine. The cervical spinal cord is the topmost part of the vertebrae, while the sacral spine is at the very bottom.
Types of Spinal Injuries
There are two main types of spinal injuries, incomplete and complete spinal cord injuries.
Like how it sounds, a complete spinal cord injury is the most severe kind. It eliminates the brain's ability to send signals to the site of the damage. The effects of a complete spinal cord injury vary based on the part of the spine.
When the cervical spine is injured, the individual loses their motor functions in the lower and upper body. An injury in the lumbar spinal cord can cause paralysis in the lower body.
Incomplete spinal cord injuries are less severe and occur when there is damage or compression in the spine. Instead of eliminating it, it reduces the brain's ability to send signals to the site of the injury. The severity of incomplete spine injuries varies from person-to-person.
The main types of incomplete spinal cord injures are anterior cord syndrome, central cord syndrome, and brown-sequard syndrome.
Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries
If you think you have suffered a spinal cord injury, remain still. Seek immediate emergency medical care and let the doctors help stable you. Doctors can supply breathing and feeding assistance to limit your movement and stabilize your spine.
Be aware that blood transfusions may be necessary. In serious cases, surgery may also be necessary.
Following medical treatment, you'll be given physical therapy to retrain your brain and body in movement and mobility. Because these injuries can be life-altering, consider seeking counseling to take care of your mental health.
If you're looking to learn more, check out Florida Spine and Sports Specialists.
Now You Know the Different Type of Spinal Cord Injuries and How to Be Prepared
Knowledge is power, and by understanding the types of spinal injuries, you'll be prepared if something ever happens to you. It can be a stressful and traumatic experience, but the most important thing to do is stay calm, limit your motions, and seek medical care.
To be safe, why not share this information with your friends and family today?
And if you found this article helpful, be sure to check out the rest of our blog. We cover a range of topics, including other excellent health articles that you're sure to love!
