Overview

Did you know that our spinal cord or spinal column is shaped like a tube consisting of a bundle of nerves extending from the base of the brain to the tail end of the back? These nerves act as messengers, carrying messages from the brain to different parts of the body. The backbone or vertebrae protects the spinal cord from jerks and injuries. However, any disorder in the spinal cord can lead to neurological disability which can cause permanent damage. However, some nerve and spinal disorders can be cured or minimised if the treatment is quick and effective. It is important to consult a doctor and get a comprehensive checkup in case of any spinal injuries. So, let’s delve further to understand various symptoms, risk factors, treatments, rehabilitation facilities, therapies etc., related to spinal health.

Why is it Necessary to Understand the Risk Factors?

Understanding the risk factors of nerve disorders is important to identify the right treatment plan. Moreover, certain factors make a person more predisposed to higher risk. Knowing these risk factors helps in fine-tuning the treatment plan. Here are a few risk factors that should be understood.

Gender. Statistics indicate men are more prone to spinal cord injuries.
Age. It has been observed that people between 16 and 30 are more susceptible to spinal column injuries.
Risk-Behaviour. Playing high-impact sports, engaging in injury-prone activities, and failing to take proper precautions during such activities also lead to spinal cord injuries.
Diseases. People with osteoporosis and other joint disorders are also prone to spine and nerve-related injuries.
Genetics. SCI or spinal cord injury is also correlated with genetic factors. In such cases, doctors recommend gene therapy.
Lifestyle Factors. Certain lifestyle factors such as excess weight or obesity, smoking, alcohol intake, and a sedentary lifestyle are also responsible for weakness or injuries in the spinal column.
Occupational Hazards. Many people who work in factories, oil rigs, mines, and other places with high occupational hazards are at higher risk of sustaining such injuries.

Anatomy of Our Spine

Sacral or Pelvis
Thoracic or Lower Back Region
Lumbar or Upper Back Region
Cervical or Neck Region

When the spinal cord gets damaged or injured, it may result in spinal stenosis, abscess, degenerative disc disease, hematoma, herniated discs, and vertebral fractures.

What are the Different Types of Spinal Disorders

As discussed above, several factors lead to spine disorders. An appropriate treatment plan is recommended depending on the cause of these disorders.

Spinal Cord Injuries

While some people are born with spine disorders, some suffer from sudden falls, accidents, inflammation, cognitive disorders, injuries, infections, and degenerative wear & tear. Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are caused due to several factors; some are sudden, while some are progressive.

Improper Weight Lifting Technique
Poor Posture
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Repetitive Strenuous Activity
Obesity
Osteoarthritis
Thyroid Disease
Lifestyle Habits like alcohol intake, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, low intake of calcium and more.

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

The symptoms of spinal cord injuries or damage depending on the specific disorder's cause. Since the major function of our spine is to provide support to our body, any disorder or injury in the spine can affect different body parts.

Numbness
Weakness
Tingling Sensation
Dull, sharp, or burning pain in the neck or back
Vomiting or nausea
Rounded back or shoulders
Bowel or bladder dysfunction

Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injury treatment may vary from patient to patient, depending on the symptom and type of injury. The main treatment options available are-

Spinal Oncology
Spinal Bracing
Steroid Injections
Spina Bifida Repair
Physical Therapy
Spine Surgery

Back Pain

Excruciating pain in the back can be debilitating and uncomfortable. It may result from certain strenuous activities, injuries, and medical conditions. As people age, the problem becomes more pronounced unless treated.

Causes of Back Pain

Our back is made up of ligaments, muscles, discs, tendons, and bones. All parts of the back work in collaboration to help us move around and give support to our back. This system may go haywire in certain cases.

Strain
Ruptured or bulging discs
Arthritis
Sciatica
Osteoporosis
Abnormal spinal curve
Kidney problems
Bad Posture
Shingles
Sleep Disorders
Spine Infection

Symptoms of Back Pain

The common back pain symptoms include pain in any part of the back, sometimes travelling down to the buttocks and legs. Other symptoms are -

Pain down the legs
Fever
Weight Loss
Swelling or inflammation in the back
Difficulty in Urinating
Trauma to the Back
Faecal incontinence
Numbness around buttocks, anus, or genitals

Treatments for Back Pain

Treatment of back pain depends on the symptoms. Some of the major treatment options are -

OTC Medication
Physical Therapy
Cortisone Injections
Traction
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Surgery

Spinal Degeneration

Degenerative disc disease, or spinal degeneration, occurs when the cushion in the spine starts showing signs of wear and tear. After 40, many people start experiencing this problem which aggravates with age.

Causes of Spinal Degeneration

There are many reasons behind the degeneration of spinal discs.

Drying out of spinal discs
Tears or crack in spinal discs

Symptoms of Spinal Degeneration

Symptoms of this problem may vary from patient to patient. Mostly, pain is experienced, which may be -

Fleeting pain
Pain that lasts for weeks or months
Tingling or numbness in legs or arms
Pain radiating to the lower back
Problem in sitting or standing

Treatment of Spinal Degeneration

Various treatment options are suggested depending on the severity of the pain and discomfort.

Medications
Physical Therapy
Radiofrequency Neurotomy
Steroid Injections
Hot and cold Therapy
Exercise and Stretching
Spinal Decompression Surgery

Scoliosis

The spine curving sideways is referred to as scoliosis. This problem is majorly seen in adolescents but can also be observed in people with muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy.

Causes of Scoliosis

The causes of scoliosis are relatively unknown. Hereditary factors are the most common cause behind this problem as it is observed running in families. Other causes are -

Neuromuscular problems like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
Previous surgery on the chest wall of a baby
Birth defects impacting spine bones
Spinal cord abnormalities
Infections and injuries of the spine

Symptoms of Scoliosis

Depending on the severity of the condition, the symptoms may be mild or quite pronounced. Some of the major symptoms include -

Leaning towards one side
Visible curvature in the spine
Ribs seem to be sticking out from the clothes
Uneven shoulders

Treatment of Scoliosis

The treatment of this condition depends on the severity of the curve in the spine. The doctors recommend the following treatment options -

Surgery which includes expanding rod, spinal fusion, and vertebral body tethering
Bracing

What is the Impact of Spinal Disorder or Injury?

For the uninitiated, the sources of spinal disorders may be internal or external.

External Damage. In external spinal damage, the cord may get injured or compressed. The latter may happen due to spinal degeneration, bone fracture, or other abnormalities like a tumors, hematoma, or herniated disc.
Internal Damage. Internal spinal cord damage occurs due to disorders like blood supply blockage, fluid-filled cavities, autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiency, syphilis, and multiple sclerosis.

When to Consult a Doctor?

If there is an injury on the head, neck or back, the person should immediately visit the nearest hospital because spinal injuries are generally mild in the beginning and aggravate with time if left unattended.

Also, if a person feels numbness or tingling, difficulty in balancing or walking, or impaired breathing, he or she must consult the doctor.

You can also get in touch with the expert Neurology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during spinal injury, Neurological disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

It is important to know and understand the risk factors associated with nerve and spinal disorders, which, left untreated, can result in secondary conditions. These conditions, such as pressure ulcers, osteoporosis, muscle spasms, urinary tract infections, deep vein thrombosis, respiratory issues, and chronic pain, are uncomfortable, debilitating, and even life-threatening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I know which spinal disorder treatment is right for me?
A. Visit a neuro and spinal physician for consultation. The doctor may recommend a battery of tests to diagnose the condition accurately. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options are recommended. Discuss the pros and cons of each option which will help in taking a well-informed decision.

Q. What are the risks and benefits of spinal disorder treatments?
A. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor may suggest different treatment options. Not going for the treatment may result in further deterioration in your condition, which is a major risk, leading to a debilitating condition. Conversely, the benefits of spinal disorder treatment are immense. It will allow proper movement, pain-free existence, and freedom from discomfort.

Q. Are there non-surgical treatment options for spinal disorders?
A. Yes, there are non-invasive treatment options for spinal disorders, like physiotherapy and medication.

Q. What should I expect during a spinal disorder treatment?
A. When you go for a spinal disorder treatment, you can expect gradual relief from your painful and uncomfortable condition. Your muscle function will improve, inflammation will reduce, and mobility will increase.

References

https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/acute-spinal-cord-injury/