Spinal Injury

Causes

• Falls.
• Motor vehicle accidents (automobiles, motorcycles, and being struck as a pedestrian)
• Sports injuries.
• Diving accidents.
• Trampoline accidents.
• Violence (gunshot or stab wounds)
• Infections that form an abscess on the spinal cord.

Symptoms

• Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck, head or back.
• Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of your body.
• Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Difficulty with balance and walking.

Treatment

• Physical therapy geared toward muscle strengthening, communication, and mobility.
• Use of assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and leg braces.
• Use of adaptive devices for communication.
• Occupational therapy focused on fine motor skills.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests for spinal cord injuries may include a CT scan, MRI or X-ray These tests will help the doctors get a better look at abnormalities within the spinal cord. Your doctor will be able to see exactly where the spinal cord injury has occurred.