Spinal cord Trauma refers to any damage to the spinal cord , resulting from a direct injury or indirectly from a disease of nearby bones, blood vessels or tissues. If the spine is weakened due to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis, a minor injury can damage the spinal cord. Any internal bleeding also damages it. Symptoms depend on the location of injury. When injury is at the neck area, breathing difficulties may be present. When injuries are at the chest level, legs are affected, leading to blood pressure problems, abnormal sweating and fluctuating body temperature. When spinal injuries are inflicted at the lower back level, both the legs, bowel and bladder muscles are affected.
Spinal injury requires immediate attention. Imaging test confirm damage. Spinal traction and immobilisation may help. Surgery is the best treatment option to many injuries particularly when nerve damage is present.
