Picture this: you’re playing football or soccer or doing another sport in which there’s a risk of a hard hit. All of a sudden, you get tackled, fall, and get hit in the back.
You get up, and there’s hardly a mark on you. But slowly, over the next few days, your back develops intense pain. You visit a doctor and get told that there’s nothing wrong with your spine–the pain comes from muscular discomfort or simply getting old.
Well, that’s not the case with everyone. Sometimes spinal injuries aren’t found until it’s too late, and sometimes they have very bad effects.
Do you want to learn more about these types of spinal injuries?
Then keep reading!
Cervical Spinal Injuries
Cervical spinal injuries refer to any type of damage to the upper part of the spinal column, including the neck. This type of injury could be caused by any type of traumatic accident, sports injuries, falls, or physical assault.
Pain in the neck, numbness, tingling in the arms, and weakness or paralysis in the affected limbs are common signs of a cervical spinal injury. In severe cases, respiratory difficulty or even death is possible.
This type of spinal cord injury is unique and needs specialized medical attention, as well as a full physical therapy program and spinal cord treatment to help the patient regain strength and improve their range of motion.
Thoracic Spinal Injuries
Thoracic spinal injuries are typically caused by direct traumatic forces applied to the upper to mid-back area. These types of injuries can range from trauma to disc herniation and result in varying degrees of nerve and tissue damage.
Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms can range from numbness and tingling to complete paralysis of the lower body.
Lumbar Spinal Injuries
Lumbar spinal injuries are defined as any injury to the lower back area of the body related to the spinal cord. This type of injury typically affects the lower limbs, hips, and core stability of the body.
Herniated discs, broken vertebrae, pinched nerves, and paralysis of the legs are all common types of lumbar spinal injuries. These injuries can be caused by trauma such as a fall, motor vehicle accident, or another traumatic event.
When a disc bulges or breaks, it puts pressure on the nerve tissue around it and irritates nearby nerves. This is called a herniated disc. This can lead to numbness, weakness, tingling, and pain in the affected area.
Fractured vertebrae occur when there is a break in the vertebrae of the spine, resulting in misalignment of the bones and instability. When pressure is put on a nerve, it can’t send signals as it should. This is called a pinched nerve.
Lastly, paralysis of the legs can result from damage to the spinal cord and can be temporary or permanent. Depending on the case, many of these injuries to the lumbar spine can be treated with medicine, physical therapy, or even surgery.
Make sure to reach out for help to trusted and reputable professionals such as a spinal surgeon, Dr. Stieber.
Learn the Types of Spinal Injuries
The different types of spinal injuries, whether they be incomplete or complete, are devastating complications that can prohibit movement, feeling, and everyday functions.
Don’t forget to research as many options and advocates to help you on your journey to making a full recovery. Reach out for help!
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