The spinal cord is an assembly of small bones (vertebrae), nerves and soft tissues which together work to transmit messages to the brain and vice versa. It runs from the base of the head down to the lower back. The nerves project out of the intervertebral spaces and connect with the muscles to send signals to the whole body. Pressure in any part of the spine is referred to as Spinal Cord Compression.
Causes
- Osteoarthritis- wear and tear of the spinal vertebrae due to the process of aging
- Tumor in the spine
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Inherent defect in the alignment of the spinal cord
- Direct trauma to the spine
- Bone disease or infection in the spinal cavity
- Bone spurs may exert undue pressure on the spine
- Fractures in the spinal cord
- Damage or dislocation of the intervertebral discs
- Accumulation of abscess (pus) around the spinal cord
- Hardening of the connective tissues
- Hematoma – accumulation of blood near or within the spine
Symptoms
- Pain which can be severe and incapacitating
- Weakness or numbness
- Loss of sensation in the limbs
- Stiffness in the arms, legs, back or neck
- Sexual disorders
- Inability to maintain body balance or movement
- Sciatica – burning pain radiating into the arms, legs and hips
- Disruption of bowel movements or urinary incontinence
- Muscle cramps
- Feeling of pricks and needles in the body
Diagnosis
- The spine specialist may analyze the apparent symptoms, reflexes and weakness of limbs may be conducted
- X-ray imaging may be required to assess the change in spine alignment or growth of bone spurs
- MRI scans and CT scans may help to review the damage to soft tissues as well as other structures within the spinal cavity
- Bone scans may also be performed
- Electromyography – testing the muscle activities using electric currents
- Myelogram – injecting a dye into the spine before conducting a scan
Treatment
- Prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers
- Administering steroid injections into the spinal cavity
- Use of a cervical collar or removable brace to support the spine
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and restore mobility
- Surgical removal of bone spurs or tumors
- Surgical fusion of vertebrae to enhance the stability of the spinal cord
- Cold or heat therapy may help to reduce pain and swelling
- Radiation or chemotherapy may be required to destroy the tumor if it compresses the spine
- Drainage of accumulated pus or blood
- Antibiotics may be prescribed in case of an infection
- Surgical insertion of metal screws, wires and rods to stabilize as well as rectify the spinal alignment
Understanding Your Spine and Spinal Cord Injuries
It has been estimated that around 17,700 new spinal cord injuries take place in the United States every year. These numbers do not even include the injuries in which individuals die at the location of the incident. The number of people that are currently living with spinal cord injuries in the U.S. is currently estimated to be nearly 300,000 (288,000).
Around 78% of new spinal cord injuries each year occur with males, while the average age of injury is now 43 years old. The most common causes of these spinal cord injuries are vehicle accidents (automobile, motorcycle, other recreational vehicles) followed by falls and acts of violence. While the vehicle accidents are the primary source for spinal cord injuries in the U.S. among people age 65 and younger, falls cause the majority of these injuries for people 65+.
The average life expectancy for individuals with spinal cord injuries remains far below the life expectancies of people who do not have these injuries. Anyone who experiences the injuries that are discussed in these facts and figures clearly must contend with situations that are extremely impactful. This is not only true for the person who suffers the injury, but also for their family and friends, as the result of the complications that occur after the injury has been suffered.
Many people who do experience an unfortunate injury to the spine are often forced to learn terminology that they previously were not familiar with, while this is also the case for people who are attempting to assist them after the injury. That is why it can be beneficial to have a greater understanding of the specifics concerning the spine. Knowing where the regions of the spinal cord are located is helpful in understanding how injuries are diagnosed and treated. It will also help you explain your situation to a doctor, and ask the most critical questions, should you ever face a problem with your spine.
The cervical spinal cord can be found at the top of the overall spinal cord, which is connected to the brain. There are seven vertebrae in the area, and they are usually referred to as C1-C7, with C1 residing at the top of this section. Immediately below the cervical spinal cord is the second section, which is called the thoracic spinal cord. This can be found in the middle of the overall spinal cord, and it consists of 12 vertebrae that are numbered T1-T12.
Below the thoracic spinal cord is the third region, which is referred to as the lumbar spinal cord. This can be found at the lower portion of the overall spinal cord where the cord starts to band. There are five lumbar vertebrae, and they are referred to as L1 to L5. Finally, the next region of the overall spinal cord is called the sacral spine (sacrum), followed by the coccyx (tailbone).
Spinal cord injuries can be placed in two different categories – complete and incomplete. Complete injuries can occur anywhere along the spinal cord and will result in the inability to function anywhere below the injury itself. Incomplete injuries can also take place at any level of the spinal cord, although the patient can still function below the point of injury. Over 60% of all spinal cord injuries are considered incomplete.
Spinal cord injuries are not always obvious when they first occur, but the amount of time between any injury and its treatment is crucial. Because it will impact the extent of the injury, and how it is treated.
Here is a list of signs and symptoms of possible spinal cord injuries:
Signs and Symptoms of Possible SCI:
- Extreme pain or pressure in the neck, head or back
- Tingling or loss of sensation in the hand, fingers, feet or toes
- Partial or complete loss of control over any part of the body
- Urinary or bowel urgency, incontinence or retention
- Difficulty with balance and walking
- Abnormal band-like sensations in the thorax — pain, pressure
- Impaired breathing after injury
- Unusual lumps on the head or spine
For diagnosis and treatment of Spinal Cord Compression, visit OrthoTexas.
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