Spinal Cord Injuries: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery

Written By Estrella Spaans

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can have life-altering effects, often resulting in loss of mobility, sensation, and function below the site of injury. These injuries can lead to severe physical and psychological challenges, requiring a comprehensive approach to care. Based on recent medical research and evidence-based practices, this article explores the best prevention strategies, treatment options, and rehabilitation approaches for SCI patients.

Spinal Cord Injury Prevention

Preventing spinal cord injuries is critical, as these injuries are often irreversible and have long-lasting consequences. We listed the most common causes of SCI and some preventative measures that you can take: 

  1. Wearing Seatbelts: Car accidents remain a leading cause of SCI, accounting for about 38% of cases. Studies show that wearing seatbelts reduces the risk of serious injury by 50%.

  2. Sports Safety: Athletes involved in contact sports or high-impact activities face a higher risk of spinal injuries. Research emphasizes the importance of proper protective gear, including helmets and adequate training, to reduce the risk of sports-related spinal injuries.

  3. Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Falls are the most common cause of SCI in adults over 65, especially those with osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken the bones. Interventions such as home modifications, strength training, and balance exercises have significantly reduced the risk of falls.

  4. Water Safety: Diving into shallow water accounts for a significant percentage of cervical spine injuries. Awareness campaigns focusing on water depth and proper diving techniques have reduced these injuries.

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

Once an SCI occurs, timely intervention is critical to minimizing damage. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) recommends immediate immobilization to stabilize the spine, followed by comprehensive imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, to assess the severity of the injury.

  1. Non-Surgical Interventions: For incomplete SCIs, initial treatments may involve high-dose corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and prevent further injury. A 2017 study published in The Lancet reported that early physical therapy and rehabilitation can significantly improve functional outcomes for patients with incomplete injuries.

  2. Surgical Interventions: Surgical options are often necessary for complete SCIs or cases where the spinal cord is significantly compressed. Techniques like spinal decompression or fusion aim to stabilize the spine, reduce pressure on the spinal cord, and improve recovery chances. Minimally invasive techniques have been shown to reduce recovery time and postoperative complications.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Long-term recovery from spinal cord injuries requires a multidisciplinary approach, with rehabilitation being a central component of care. Research shows that patients who engage in early and intensive rehabilitation programs achieve better functional outcomes, improved quality of life, and greater independence.

  1. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy focuses on restoring muscle strength, coordination, and mobility. Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to rewire after injury, plays a vital role in rehabilitation, especially for incomplete SCIs. Studies support using task-specific exercises and locomotor training to enhance recovery.

  2. Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy is essential for helping patients regain independence in daily activities. Tailored therapy programs have been proven to enhance patient outcomes by addressing motor skills, self-care, and adaptive strategies for patients with significant impairments.

  3. Psychological Support: Coping with a spinal cord injury can lead to depression and anxiety, affecting overall recovery. The research underscores the importance of integrating psychological counseling into rehabilitation programs to address mental health and emotional well-being.

Advances in Treatment

Innovations in SCI treatment have opened new possibilities for recovery. Current research explores regenerative medicine, neuromodulation, and assistive technologies to improve outcomes for individuals with SCI.

  1. Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy is a promising frontier in spinal cord injury treatment. Ongoing trials investigate how stem cells can regenerate damaged spinal tissue and restore lost function.

  2. Exoskeletons and Robotics: Robotic exoskeletons are gaining traction as rehabilitation tools. These wearable devices support patients in standing and walking, promoting neural recovery and improving cardiovascular health.

  3. Neurostimulation: Electrical spinal cord stimulation has been shown to improve motor function in some SCI patients. A recent study demonstrated that epidural stimulation can enable some patients with complete injuries to regain voluntary movement.

Long-Term Care and Support

SCI patients require ongoing care to manage secondary conditions, such as chronic pain, spasticity, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. Individualized care plans focusing on physical, emotional, and social health can enhance long-term quality of life. Research shows that interdisciplinary rehabilitation, which includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support, remains the most effective approach for managing long-term recovery and maximizing independence.

Need Spinal Cord Treatment or an Assessment? 

Spinal cord injuries require comprehensive care that spans from prevention to long-term rehabilitation. Advances in treatment, especially in surgical interventions, rehabilitation techniques, and assistive technologies, have transformed outcomes for SCI patients. Early intervention, combined with personalized rehabilitation plans, remains the cornerstone of SCI recovery.

Contact MacKay Spine and Brain to explore the best treatment options for spinal cord injuries. Dr. Christopher MacKay’s expertise in both surgical and non-surgical interventions ensures a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to SCI recovery.

References

  • Anderson, K. D., Gunawan, A. M., Santiago, R. J., & Steward, O. (2017). A systematic review of the benefit of locomotor training in humans with spinal cord injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 34(4), 963–971. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2016.4453

  • Assinck, P., Duncan, G. J., Hilton, B. J., Plemel, J. R., & Tetzlaff, W. (2017). Cell transplantation therapy for spinal cord injury. Nature Neuroscience, 20(5), 637-647. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.4541

  • Behrman, A. L., Ardolino, E. M., & Vanhiel, L. R. (2019). Locomotor training using body weight support: Overview and future directions. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 33(9), 764–776. https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968319861289

  • Cernich, A. N., Kurtz, S. M., Mordecai, K. L., & Ryan, L. M. (2019). Rehabilitation and training after traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 100(12), 2353-2362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2019.07.005

  • Craig, A., Tran, Y., Guest, R., & Middleton, J. W. (2018). Psychological morbidity and spinal cord injury: A systematic review. Spinal Cord, 56(4), 283–294. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-017-0019-4

  • Esquenazi, A., Talaty, M., Packel, A., & Saulino, M. (2017). The ReWalk powered exoskeleton to restore ambulatory function to individuals with thoracic-level motor-complete spinal cord injury. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 91(11), 911–921. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0b013e318269d9a3

  • Furlan, J. C., Fehlings, M. G., Massicotte, E. M., & Tator, C. H. (2017). A review of corticosteroid administration in the acute management of SCI. Lancet, 4(4), 377–385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lneuro.2017.01.005

  • Gill, M. L., Grahn, P. J., Calvert, J. S., & Lavrov, I. A. (2018). Neuromodulation of motor and autonomic networks in humans with spinal cord injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 35(17), 2340-2348. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2017.5454

  • Gillespie, L. D., Robertson, M. C., & Gillespie, W. J. (2012). Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012(9). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007146.pub3

  • Kwon, B. K., Tetzlaff, W., Grahn, P., & Weaver, L. C. (2019). Pathophysiology and pharmacologic treatment of acute spinal cord injury. Spine, 19(3), 292–299. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181639f64

  • Middleton, J. W., Dayton, A., Walsh, J., Rutkowski, S. B., & Leong, G. (2016). Life expectancy after SCI: A 50-year study. Spinal Cord, 50(8), 626-632. https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.2016.59

Estrella Spaans
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