BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuSpinal cord traumaSpinal cord injury; Compression of spinal cord; SCI; Cord compressionSpinal cord trauma is damage to the spinal cord. It may result from direct injury to the cord itself or indirectly from disease of the nearby bones, tissues, or blood vessels. Causes The spinal cord contains nerve fibers and cells. These nerve fibers carry messages between your brain and body. The spinal cord is located in the spinal canal of your spine in your neck, chest, and back down to the first lumbar vertebra.Spinal cord injury (SCI) can be caused by any of the following: Assault Falls FallsOlder adults and people with medical problems are at risk of falling or tripping. This can result in broken bones or more serious injuries. Use the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gunshot wounds Gunshot woundsA gunshot wound is caused when a bullet or other projectile is shot into or through the body. Gunshot wounds can cause serious injury, including:Sev...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Industrial accidents Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) Diving Sports injuries A minor injury can damage the spinal cord. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infection, cancer, or osteoporosis can weaken the spine, which normally protects the spinal cord. Injury can also occur if the spinal canal protecting the spinal cord has become too narrow (spinal stenosis). This occurs during normal aging.Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal stenosisSpinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord, or narrowing of the openings (called neural foramina) wher...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Direct injury or damage to the spinal cord can occur due to:Bruises if the bones have been weakened, loosened, or fractured Disc herniation (when the disc pushes against the spinal cord) Disc herniationA herniated (slipped) disk occurs when all or part of a disk is forced through a weakened part of the disk. This may place pressure on nearby nerves...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fragments of bone (such as from broken vertebrae, which are the spine bones) in the spinal cord Fragments of metal (such as from a motor vehicle collision or gunshot) Compression from twisting of the head, neck or back during an accident or intense chiropractic manipulation Tight spinal canal (spinal stenosis) that squeezes the spinal cord Tight spinal canalSpinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord, or narrowing of the openings (called neural foramina) wher...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When the spine is out of alignmentBleeding, fluid buildup, infection, and swelling can occur inside the spinal canal. This can press on the spinal cord and damage it.Most high impact SCIs, such as from motor vehicle collisions or sports injuries, are seen in healthy people.Risk factors include:Participating in risky physical activities Riding in or on high-speed vehicles Diving into shallow water Low impact SCI often occurs in older adults from falls while standing or sitting. Injury is due to a weakened spine from aging or bone loss (osteoporosis) or spinal stenosis.OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms vary, depending on the location of the injury. SCI causes weakness and loss of feeling at, and below the injury. The severity of the symptoms depends on whether the entire cord is injured (complete) or only partially injured (incomplete).An injury below the first lumbar vertebra does not cause SCI. But it may cause cauda equina syndrome, which is an injury to the nerve roots in the lower spine. Many spinal cord injuries and cauda equina syndrome cases are medical emergencies and need surgery right away.Injuries of the spinal cord at any level can cause:Increased muscle tone (spasticity) Increased muscle toneSpasticity is stiff or rigid muscles. It may also be called unusual tightness or increased muscle tone. Reflexes (for example, a knee-jerk reflex) ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Loss of normal bowel and bladder control (may include constipation, incontinence, bladder spasms) Numbness NumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sensory changes Pain Weakness, paralysis Difficulty breathing because of weakness of the abdominal, diaphragm, or intercostal (rib) muscles CERVICAL (NECK) INJURIESWhen spinal cord injuries are in the neck area, symptoms can affect the arms, legs, and middle of the body. The symptoms:May occur on one or both sides of the body Can include severe breathing problems from paralysis of the breathing muscles if the injury is high up in the neck THORACIC (CHEST LEVEL) INJURIESWhen spinal injuries are at chest level, symptoms can affect the legs. Injuries to the cervical or high thoracic spinal cord may also result in:Blood pressure problems (too high and too low) Abnormal sweating Trouble maintaining normal temperature LUMBAR OR SACRAL (LOWER BACK) INJURIESWhen spinal injuries are at the lower back level, symptoms can affect one or both legs. Muscles that control the bowels and bladder can also be affected. Spine injuries can damage the spinal cord if they are at the upper portion of the lumbar spine or the lumbar and sacral nerve roots (cauda equina) if they are at the lower lumbar spine. Exams and Tests SCI is a medical emergency that needs medical attention right away.The health care provider will perform a physical exam, including a brain and nervous system (neurological) exam. This will help identify the exact location of the injury if it is not known. Some of the reflexes may be abnormal or missing. Once swelling goes down, some reflexes may slowly recover.ReflexesA reflex is a muscle reaction that happens automatically in response to stimulation. Certain sensations or movements produce specific muscle respons...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests that may be ordered include:CT scan or MRI of the spine CTA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Myelogram (an x-ray of the spine after injecting dye) MyelogramA lumbosacral spine x-ray is a picture of the small bones (vertebrae) in the lower part of the spine. This area includes the lumbar region and the s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spine x-rays Spine x-raysA thoracic spine x-ray is an x-ray of the 12 chest (thoracic) bones (vertebrae) of the spine. The vertebrae are separated by flat pads of cartilage ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electromyography (EMG) ElectromyographyElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve conduction studies Nerve conduction studiesNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary function tests Bladder function tests Treatment An SCI needs to be treated right away in most instances. The time between the injury and treatment can affect the outcome.Medicines called corticosteroids are sometimes used in the first few hours after SCI to reduce swelling that may damage the spinal cord.If spinal cord pressure can be relieved or reduced before the spinal nerves are completely destroyed, paralysis may improve. ParalysisMuscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Surgery may be needed to:Realign the spinal bones (vertebrae) Remove fluid, blood, or tissue that presses on the spinal cord (decompression laminectomy) LaminectomyLaminectomy is surgery to remove the lamina. This is part of the bone that makes up a vertebra in the spine. Laminectomy may also be done to remove...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Remove bone fragments, disk fragments, or foreign objects Fuse broken spinal bones with rods and screws or place spinal braces Bed rest may be needed to allow the bones of the spine to heal.Spinal traction may be suggested. This can help keep the spine from moving. The skull may be held in place with tongs. These are metal braces placed in the skull and attached to weights or to a harness on the body (halo vest). You may need to wear the spine braces or a cervical collar for many months.TractionTraction means pulling on part of the body. Most often, traction uses devices such as weights and pulleys to put tension on a displaced bone or joint...Read Article Now Book Mark Article The health care team will also tell you what to do for muscle spasms and bowel and bladder dysfunction. They will also teach you how to care for your skin and protect it from pressure sores.Muscle spasmsMuscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You will probably need physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation programs after the injury has healed. Rehabilitation will help you cope with the disability from your SCI.You might need blood thinners to prevent blood clots in your legs or medicine to prevent infections such as urinary tract infections. Support Groups Seek out organizations for additional information on SCI. They can provide support as you recover.OrganizationsThe following organizations are good resources for information on spinal injury:National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke -- www. ninds...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) How well a person does depends on the level and severity of injury. Injuries in the upper (cervical) spine lead to more disability than injuries in the lower (thoracic or lumbar) spine.Paralysis and loss of sensation of part of the body are common. This includes total paralysis or numbness, and loss of movement and feeling. Death is possible, especially if there is paralysis of the breathing muscles.Loss of sensationNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A person who recovers some movement or feeling within 1 week usually has a good chance of recovering more function, although this may take 6 months or more. Losses that remain after 6 months are more likely to be permanent.Routine bowel care often takes 1 hour or more each day. Most people with SCI must perform bladder catheterization regularly.The person's home will usually need to be modified. Most people with SCI are in a wheelchair or need assistive devices to get around.Research in the field of spinal cord injury is ongoing, and promising discoveries are being reported. Possible Complications The following are possible complications of SCI:Blood pressure changes that can be extreme (autonomic hyperreflexia) Autonomic hyperreflexiaAutonomic dysreflexia is an abnormal, overreaction of the involuntary (autonomic) nervous system to stimulation. This reaction may include: Change i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Increased risk for injury to numb areas of the body Increased risk for urinary tract infections Urinary tract infectionsA urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the urinary tract. The infection can occur at different points in the urinary tract, including...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Long-term kidney disease Long-term kidney diseaseChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Loss of bladder and bowel control Loss of bladderUrinary (or bladder) incontinence occurs when you are not able to keep urine from leaking out of your urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bowel controlBowel incontinence is the loss of bowel control, causing you to unexpectedly pass stool. This can range from sometimes leaking a small amount of sto...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Loss of sexual function Paralysis of limbs (paraplegia, quadriplegia) Paralysis of breathing muscles (quadriplegia) Problems due to not being able to move, such as deep vein thrombosis, lung infections, skin breakdown (pressure sores), and muscle stiffness Deep vein thrombosisDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside a part of the body. DVT mainly affects the large...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shock ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Depression People living at home with SCI should do the following to prevent complications:Get lung (pulmonary) care each day (if they need it). Follow all instructions for bladder care to avoid infections and damage to the kidneys. Follow all instructions for routine wound care to avoid pressure sores. Keep immunizations up to date. ImmunizationsVaccines are used to boost your immune system and prevent the risk of infection and the severity of infections, including those that cause serious, l...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Maintain routine health visits with their doctor. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contactyour provider if you have a back or neck injury. Call 911 or the local emergency number if you lose movement or feeling. This is a medical emergency.Managing SCI begins at the site of an accident or injury. Trained paramedics immobilize the injured spine to prevent further nervous system damage.Someone who may have a SCI should not be moved unless they are in immediate danger. Prevention The following measures may help prevent SCIs:Proper safety practices during work and play can prevent many spinal cord injuries. Use protective equipment for any activity in which an injury is possible. Diving into shallow water is a major cause of spinal cord trauma. Check water depth before diving, and look for rocks or other possible objects in the way. Football and sledding can often involve sharp blows or abnormal twisting and bending of the back or neck, which can cause SCI. Before sledding, skiing or snowboarding down a hill, check the area for obstacles. Use the right techniques and equipment when playing football or other contact sports. Defensive driving and wearing a seat belt reduce the risk of serious injury if there is a car accident. Install and use grab bars in the bathroom, and handrails next to stairs to prevent falls. People who have poor balance may need to use a walker or cane. Highway speed limits should be observed. Do not drink and drive.Open ReferencesReferencesLevi AD. Spinal cord injury. In: Vincent J-L, Abraham E, Moore FA, Kochanek PM, Fink MP, eds. Textbook of Critical Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 57.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Spinal cord injury: hope through research. www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/patient-caregiver-education/hope-through-research/spinal-cord-injury-hope-through-research#3233. Updated July 25, 2022. Accessed August 26, 2022.Sherman AL, Dalal KL. Spinal cord injury rehabilitation. In: Garfin SR, Eismont FJ, Bell GR, Fischgrund JS, Bono CM, eds. Rothman-Simeone and Herkowitz's The Spine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 82.Yokota K, Wang S, Singh JM, Fehlings MG. Medical management of spinal cord injury. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 336.AllVideoImagesTogVertebrae - illustration The vertebral column is made up of 26 bones that provide axial support to the trunk. The vertebral column provides protection to the spinal cord, which runs through its central cavity. Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disk, which acts as a shock absorber.VertebraeillustrationCauda equina - illustration The spinal cord ends in the lumbar area and continues through the vertebral canal as spinal nerves. Because of its resemblance to a horses tail, the collection of these nerves at the end of the spinal cord is called the cauda equina. These nerves send and receive messages to and from the lower limbs and pelvic organs.Cauda equinaillustrationVertebra and spinal nerves - illustration The spinal cord and its peripheral nerves are protected by the vertebral column, a stack of bones which surround and provide support. Between the vertebrae is a fluid-filled disk.Vertebra and spinal nervesillustrationVertebrae - illustration The vertebral column is made up of 26 bones that provide axial support to the trunk. The vertebral column provides protection to the spinal cord, which runs through its central cavity. Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disk, which acts as a shock absorber.VertebraeillustrationCauda equina - illustration The spinal cord ends in the lumbar area and continues through the vertebral canal as spinal nerves. Because of its resemblance to a horses tail, the collection of these nerves at the end of the spinal cord is called the cauda equina. These nerves send and receive messages to and from the lower limbs and pelvic organs.Cauda equinaillustrationVertebra and spinal nerves - illustration The spinal cord and its peripheral nerves are protected by the vertebral column, a stack of bones which surround and provide support. Between the vertebrae is a fluid-filled disk.Vertebra and spinal nervesillustrationRelated Information Rheumatoid arthritis(Condition)Osteoporosis(Condition)Urinary incontinence(Symptoms)Urinary tract infection - adults(Condition)Chronic(Special Topic)Obstructive uropathy(Condition)Bowel incontinence(Symptoms)Deep vein thrombosis(Condition)Shock(Injury)Preventing pressure ulcers(Self-Care)Rheumatoid arthritis - InDepth(In-Depth)Osteoporosis - InDepth(In-Depth)Urinary incontinence - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/22/2022 Reviewed By: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, FRCS (C), FACS, Department of Surgery, Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, TN; Department of Surgery Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport, TN; Department of Surgery St-Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, ND; Department of Neurosurgery UPMC Williamsport PA, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery at UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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Spinal cord traumaSpinal cord injury; Compression of spinal cord; SCI; Cord compressionSpinal cord trauma is damage to the spinal cord. It may result from direct injury to the cord itself or indirectly from disease of the nearby bones, tissues, or blood vessels. Causes The spinal cord contains nerve fibers and cells. These nerve fibers carry messages between your brain and body. The spinal cord is located in the spinal canal of your spine in your neck, chest, and back down to the first lumbar vertebra.Spinal cord injury (SCI) can be caused by any of the following: Assault Falls FallsOlder adults and people with medical problems are at risk of falling or tripping. This can result in broken bones or more serious injuries. Use the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gunshot wounds Gunshot woundsA gunshot wound is caused when a bullet or other projectile is shot into or through the body. Gunshot wounds can cause serious injury, including:Sev...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Industrial accidents Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) Diving Sports injuries A minor injury can damage the spinal cord. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infection, cancer, or osteoporosis can weaken the spine, which normally protects the spinal cord. Injury can also occur if the spinal canal protecting the spinal cord has become too narrow (spinal stenosis). This occurs during normal aging.Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal stenosisSpinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord, or narrowing of the openings (called neural foramina) wher...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Direct injury or damage to the spinal cord can occur due to:Bruises if the bones have been weakened, loosened, or fractured Disc herniation (when the disc pushes against the spinal cord) Disc herniationA herniated (slipped) disk occurs when all or part of a disk is forced through a weakened part of the disk. This may place pressure on nearby nerves...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fragments of bone (such as from broken vertebrae, which are the spine bones) in the spinal cord Fragments of metal (such as from a motor vehicle collision or gunshot) Compression from twisting of the head, neck or back during an accident or intense chiropractic manipulation Tight spinal canal (spinal stenosis) that squeezes the spinal cord Tight spinal canalSpinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord, or narrowing of the openings (called neural foramina) wher...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When the spine is out of alignmentBleeding, fluid buildup, infection, and swelling can occur inside the spinal canal. This can press on the spinal cord and damage it.Most high impact SCIs, such as from motor vehicle collisions or sports injuries, are seen in healthy people.Risk factors include:Participating in risky physical activities Riding in or on high-speed vehicles Diving into shallow water Low impact SCI often occurs in older adults from falls while standing or sitting. Injury is due to a weakened spine from aging or bone loss (osteoporosis) or spinal stenosis.OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms vary, depending on the location of the injury. SCI causes weakness and loss of feeling at, and below the injury. The severity of the symptoms depends on whether the entire cord is injured (complete) or only partially injured (incomplete).An injury below the first lumbar vertebra does not cause SCI. But it may cause cauda equina syndrome, which is an injury to the nerve roots in the lower spine. Many spinal cord injuries and cauda equina syndrome cases are medical emergencies and need surgery right away.Injuries of the spinal cord at any level can cause:Increased muscle tone (spasticity) Increased muscle toneSpasticity is stiff or rigid muscles. It may also be called unusual tightness or increased muscle tone. Reflexes (for example, a knee-jerk reflex) ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Loss of normal bowel and bladder control (may include constipation, incontinence, bladder spasms) Numbness NumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sensory changes Pain Weakness, paralysis Difficulty breathing because of weakness of the abdominal, diaphragm, or intercostal (rib) muscles CERVICAL (NECK) INJURIESWhen spinal cord injuries are in the neck area, symptoms can affect the arms, legs, and middle of the body. The symptoms:May occur on one or both sides of the body Can include severe breathing problems from paralysis of the breathing muscles if the injury is high up in the neck THORACIC (CHEST LEVEL) INJURIESWhen spinal injuries are at chest level, symptoms can affect the legs. Injuries to the cervical or high thoracic spinal cord may also result in:Blood pressure problems (too high and too low) Abnormal sweating Trouble maintaining normal temperature LUMBAR OR SACRAL (LOWER BACK) INJURIESWhen spinal injuries are at the lower back level, symptoms can affect one or both legs. Muscles that control the bowels and bladder can also be affected. Spine injuries can damage the spinal cord if they are at the upper portion of the lumbar spine or the lumbar and sacral nerve roots (cauda equina) if they are at the lower lumbar spine. Exams and Tests SCI is a medical emergency that needs medical attention right away.The health care provider will perform a physical exam, including a brain and nervous system (neurological) exam. This will help identify the exact location of the injury if it is not known. Some of the reflexes may be abnormal or missing. Once swelling goes down, some reflexes may slowly recover.ReflexesA reflex is a muscle reaction that happens automatically in response to stimulation. Certain sensations or movements produce specific muscle respons...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests that may be ordered include:CT scan or MRI of the spine CTA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Myelogram (an x-ray of the spine after injecting dye) MyelogramA lumbosacral spine x-ray is a picture of the small bones (vertebrae) in the lower part of the spine. This area includes the lumbar region and the s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spine x-rays Spine x-raysA thoracic spine x-ray is an x-ray of the 12 chest (thoracic) bones (vertebrae) of the spine. The vertebrae are separated by flat pads of cartilage ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electromyography (EMG) ElectromyographyElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve conduction studies Nerve conduction studiesNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary function tests Bladder function tests Treatment An SCI needs to be treated right away in most instances. The time between the injury and treatment can affect the outcome.Medicines called corticosteroids are sometimes used in the first few hours after SCI to reduce swelling that may damage the spinal cord.If spinal cord pressure can be relieved or reduced before the spinal nerves are completely destroyed, paralysis may improve. ParalysisMuscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Surgery may be needed to:Realign the spinal bones (vertebrae) Remove fluid, blood, or tissue that presses on the spinal cord (decompression laminectomy) LaminectomyLaminectomy is surgery to remove the lamina. This is part of the bone that makes up a vertebra in the spine. Laminectomy may also be done to remove...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Remove bone fragments, disk fragments, or foreign objects Fuse broken spinal bones with rods and screws or place spinal braces Bed rest may be needed to allow the bones of the spine to heal.Spinal traction may be suggested. This can help keep the spine from moving. The skull may be held in place with tongs. These are metal braces placed in the skull and attached to weights or to a harness on the body (halo vest). You may need to wear the spine braces or a cervical collar for many months.TractionTraction means pulling on part of the body. Most often, traction uses devices such as weights and pulleys to put tension on a displaced bone or joint...Read Article Now Book Mark Article The health care team will also tell you what to do for muscle spasms and bowel and bladder dysfunction. They will also teach you how to care for your skin and protect it from pressure sores.Muscle spasmsMuscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You will probably need physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation programs after the injury has healed. Rehabilitation will help you cope with the disability from your SCI.You might need blood thinners to prevent blood clots in your legs or medicine to prevent infections such as urinary tract infections. Support Groups Seek out organizations for additional information on SCI. They can provide support as you recover.OrganizationsThe following organizations are good resources for information on spinal injury:National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke -- www. ninds...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) How well a person does depends on the level and severity of injury. Injuries in the upper (cervical) spine lead to more disability than injuries in the lower (thoracic or lumbar) spine.Paralysis and loss of sensation of part of the body are common. This includes total paralysis or numbness, and loss of movement and feeling. Death is possible, especially if there is paralysis of the breathing muscles.Loss of sensationNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A person who recovers some movement or feeling within 1 week usually has a good chance of recovering more function, although this may take 6 months or more. Losses that remain after 6 months are more likely to be permanent.Routine bowel care often takes 1 hour or more each day. Most people with SCI must perform bladder catheterization regularly.The person's home will usually need to be modified. Most people with SCI are in a wheelchair or need assistive devices to get around.Research in the field of spinal cord injury is ongoing, and promising discoveries are being reported. Possible Complications The following are possible complications of SCI:Blood pressure changes that can be extreme (autonomic hyperreflexia) Autonomic hyperreflexiaAutonomic dysreflexia is an abnormal, overreaction of the involuntary (autonomic) nervous system to stimulation. This reaction may include: Change i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Increased risk for injury to numb areas of the body Increased risk for urinary tract infections Urinary tract infectionsA urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the urinary tract. The infection can occur at different points in the urinary tract, including...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Long-term kidney disease Long-term kidney diseaseChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Loss of bladder and bowel control Loss of bladderUrinary (or bladder) incontinence occurs when you are not able to keep urine from leaking out of your urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bowel controlBowel incontinence is the loss of bowel control, causing you to unexpectedly pass stool. This can range from sometimes leaking a small amount of sto...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Loss of sexual function Paralysis of limbs (paraplegia, quadriplegia) Paralysis of breathing muscles (quadriplegia) Problems due to not being able to move, such as deep vein thrombosis, lung infections, skin breakdown (pressure sores), and muscle stiffness Deep vein thrombosisDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside a part of the body. DVT mainly affects the large...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shock ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Depression People living at home with SCI should do the following to prevent complications:Get lung (pulmonary) care each day (if they need it). Follow all instructions for bladder care to avoid infections and damage to the kidneys. Follow all instructions for routine wound care to avoid pressure sores. Keep immunizations up to date. ImmunizationsVaccines are used to boost your immune system and prevent the risk of infection and the severity of infections, including those that cause serious, l...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Maintain routine health visits with their doctor. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contactyour provider if you have a back or neck injury. Call 911 or the local emergency number if you lose movement or feeling. This is a medical emergency.Managing SCI begins at the site of an accident or injury. Trained paramedics immobilize the injured spine to prevent further nervous system damage.Someone who may have a SCI should not be moved unless they are in immediate danger. Prevention The following measures may help prevent SCIs:Proper safety practices during work and play can prevent many spinal cord injuries. Use protective equipment for any activity in which an injury is possible. Diving into shallow water is a major cause of spinal cord trauma. Check water depth before diving, and look for rocks or other possible objects in the way. Football and sledding can often involve sharp blows or abnormal twisting and bending of the back or neck, which can cause SCI. Before sledding, skiing or snowboarding down a hill, check the area for obstacles. Use the right techniques and equipment when playing football or other contact sports. Defensive driving and wearing a seat belt reduce the risk of serious injury if there is a car accident. Install and use grab bars in the bathroom, and handrails next to stairs to prevent falls. People who have poor balance may need to use a walker or cane. Highway speed limits should be observed. Do not drink and drive.Open ReferencesReferencesLevi AD. Spinal cord injury. In: Vincent J-L, Abraham E, Moore FA, Kochanek PM, Fink MP, eds. Textbook of Critical Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 57.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Spinal cord injury: hope through research. www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/patient-caregiver-education/hope-through-research/spinal-cord-injury-hope-through-research#3233. Updated July 25, 2022. Accessed August 26, 2022.Sherman AL, Dalal KL. Spinal cord injury rehabilitation. In: Garfin SR, Eismont FJ, Bell GR, Fischgrund JS, Bono CM, eds. Rothman-Simeone and Herkowitz's The Spine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 82.Yokota K, Wang S, Singh JM, Fehlings MG. Medical management of spinal cord injury. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 336.