Types of Neck, Back & Spinal Cord Injuries
Various types of injuries can impact the neck, back, and spinal cord, all of which are painful but vary in the level of damage they can cause. Some injuries can cause days, weeks, or months of recovery, while others can change the entire life of the person who sustained them. Below, our Houston injury attorneys explain some of the most severe injuries to this region of the body, as well as helpful information about diagnosis, treatment, and more.
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Bulging & Herniated Discs
Discs, which act as cushions between each spinal vertebra, consist of a tough outer cartilage layer and a softer inner core. Injuries to these discs, such as bulging or herniated discs, can be both painful and debilitating.
Two prevalent disc injuries are bulging and herniated discs:
- Bulging Discs: Occur when the disc extends beyond its usual space in the spine.
- Herniated Discs: Result from a tear in the outer cartilage, allowing the inner core to protrude.
Symptoms of disc injuries often start with pain in the arms, legs, hands, or feet, progressing to severe neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. These injuries are commonly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, epidural steroid injections, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.
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Vertebrae Fractures
Fractured spinal vertebrae are a serious medical condition. Unless a victim has an underlying disease that weakens the bones, the trauma necessary to fracture vertebrae is usually quite severe. There are different types of vertebral fractures, classified by the pattern of the injury and the presence or absence of a complicating spinal cord injury. While most compression fractures occur in the mid or lower back, some fractures are at the thoracolumbar junction.
Types of vertebral fractures include:
- Compression Fractures: The front of the vertebra collapses while the back remains intact.
- Axial Burst Fractures: The vertebra loses height on both its front and back sides.
- Flexion-Distraction Injuries: The vertebra is pulled apart, often seen in high-speed accidents.
- Fracture-Dislocations: A vertebra breaks and dislocates, often accompanied by torn ligaments.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical. Depending on the severity of the injury and the risk to the spinal cord, treatments may include immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery. Addressing vertebral fractures often requires a combination of medical and rehabilitation treatments. Early intervention is crucial to prevent lasting damage.
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Paraplegia & Quadriplegia
Paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries can manifest as paraplegia, which affects the lower limbs, or quadriplegia, which impacts all four limbs. Paraplegia typically results from trauma to the lower spinal cord, such as an accident, while quadriplegia arises from cervical spine injuries, disrupting all sensation and function below the injury site.
These conditions often lead to permanent loss of mobility and independence, creating profound physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Many victims depend on wheelchairs, assisted living arrangements, and comprehensive care, which introduces logistical and financial difficulties. Emotional struggles, including depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness, are common, making long-term therapy and support essential for recovery and adaptation.
Spinal Cord Injury Classifications
Spinal cord injuries are classified based on the region of the spine affected. Each type of injury has distinct impacts on mobility, sensation, and bodily functions.
- Cervical Spinal Cord Injury (C1 - C8)
Cervical injuries, which affect the upper spinal cord, are among the most severe. These injuries can result in extensive weakness or paralysis, loss of sensation, and an inability to control nerve signals below the injury site. Many victims lose the ability to breathe independently and require ventilatory support. Additionally, bowel and bladder dysfunction are common, often necessitating permanent stabilization or assistive devices. - Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury (T1 - T12)
Thoracic injuries involve the mid-spinal cord and typically lead to paralysis of the legs while leaving arm function intact. Although victims retain use of their arms, they often experience loss of sensation in the lower body along with bowel and bladder dysfunction. These injuries can impair mobility and require extensive rehabilitation. - Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury (L1 - L5)
Injuries to the lumbar region result in motor function loss in the legs and reduced control over the buttocks, abdomen, and genital organs. Surgical intervention is often necessary to stabilize the injury and prevent further complications. While victims may maintain upper body strength, their mobility is often significantly limited. - Sacral Spinal Cord Injury (S1 - S5)
Sacral injuries, located at the base of the spine, primarily affect bowel and bladder control. In many cases, victims also experience paralysis or weakness in the hips and legs, along with reduced or absent control over the thighs, calves, feet, and genital organs. Although these injuries tend to be less severe than cervical or thoracic injuries, they still impose considerable limitations on daily life and independence.
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Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries
Injury to the spinal cord can lead to a wide range of significant effects on the body, depending on the severity and location of the injury. These include:
- Breathing Issues
Injuries at or above the C3, C4, and C5 segments can impair or stop breathing entirely, often requiring ventilatory support. Even injuries at the C5 level and below can cause breathing difficulties, such as rapid, shallow breaths. - Irregular Heartbeat & Low Blood Pressure
Cervical spinal cord injuries frequently result in unstable blood pressure and arrhythmias. These issues typically appear within the first two weeks after injury, with more severe injuries causing greater instability. Low blood pressure often occurs due to loss of vascular tone, as blood vessels widen and cause blood to pool in distant arteries. - Blood Clots
People with spinal cord injuries face an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. - Spasms
Damage to the spinal cord disrupts the brain’s regulation of reflexes, often making them exaggerated and spastic. Severe spasms can interfere with daily activities and may require medical treatment, such as muscle relaxants. - Autonomic Dysreflexia
A life-threatening condition, autonomic dysreflexia occurs when stimuli below the injury level trigger uncontrolled reflexes, causing spikes in blood pressure, rapid heartbeats, and potential complications like strokes and seizures. - Pressure Sores
Immobility due to paralysis can lead to pressure sores (decubitus ulcers) as skin tissue breaks down under constant pressure. Proper care, including regular repositioning and a balanced diet, is essential to prevent these sores. - Bladder & Bowel Dysfunction
Spinal cord injuries often disrupt bladder and bowel control since the nerves governing these functions originate near the base of the spinal cord. Victims typically require a catheter to manage bladder function and may follow a scheduled bowel program to maintain regularity and prevent complications. - Reproductive & Sexual Function
Spinal cord injuries have a greater impact on sexual and reproductive function in men than in women. Men may face challenges with erections or ejaculation, while most women retain the ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy, though complications may arise depending on the severity of the injury.
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Diagnosing Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be challenging to diagnose, and delays or missed diagnoses can result in more severe outcomes. Accurate identification requires thorough patient evaluations, including detailed medical histories and physical exams.
When to Conduct Emergency Diagnostic Tests
Emergency diagnostic tests should be performed immediately if an injured person:
- Complains of neck or back pain
- Is not fully conscious
- Displays signs of weakness or paralysis
- Shows symptoms of neurological impairment, such as numbness or tingling
Common Diagnostic Tests for Spinal Cord Injuries
- X-Ray: Often the first test conducted, X-rays can reveal vertebral fractures, tumors, or degenerative changes.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: Used following an X-ray to provide detailed cross-sectional images. CT scans help identify bone fractures, disk abnormalities, and other structural issues.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Utilizes strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. MRIs are particularly useful for detecting soft tissue damage.
Once initial swelling subsides, neurological exams are critical for assessing the severity and completeness of the injury. These evaluations determine the extent of damage and help guide long-term treatment planning.
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Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries
Treatment for spinal cord injuries focuses on preventing further complications and enabling patients to return to as active a life as possible. When a spinal injury is caused by an accident, urgent medical attention is critical to minimize trauma effects. Treatment often begins at the accident scene, where emergency responders immobilize the spine using a rigid neck collar and carrying board to transport the patient to the hospital safely.
Early-Stage Treatment
During the initial phase of care, priority is given to maintaining the patient’s ability to breathe, preventing shock, and minimizing additional damage. Sedation may be necessary to keep the patient immobile during diagnostic tests.
Stabilization & Surgical Interventions
Spinal stabilization may require traction to align or support the spine. Traction often involves metal braces, weights, or a body harness attached to the skull to maintain stability. For less severe cases, a rigid neck collar may suffice. Surgery is often necessary to remove items compressing the spine, stabilize fractured vertebrae, or address spinal deformities.
Cutting-Edge Research
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation continues to advance the search for a cure for paralysis caused by spine injuries through groundbreaking research. Efforts are focused on areas such as neuroprotection, axon regeneration, growth inhibition, and stem cell therapy, all aimed at addressing the biological barriers to recovery.
Preventing Cellular Damage
After a spinal cord injury, the body’s immune response often triggers apoptosis—a process in which surviving cells are destroyed, leading to additional functional loss. This biological ripple effect exacerbates the injury’s impact. Researchers are exploring strategies to curb apoptosis, which could reduce the cascading damage caused by spinal cord trauma.
Axon Growth
Spinal cord injuries sever axons, the critical pathways for neural signals, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. Although neurons frequently survive, they do not naturally regenerate axons. Scientists are investigating ways to stimulate axon growth by reactivating neuron development and blocking growth-inhibiting molecules that form at the injury site. While progress has been made, challenges remain, such as guiding new axons to reconnect with neural circuits and restoring neurotransmitter functionality to reestablish proper communication pathways.
Stem Cell Research
Stem cell research holds immense potential for spinal cord injury treatment. Neural progenitor stem cells offer the possibility of repairing damaged spinal tissue, but researchers must first develop precise methods to control their growth and integration. Additionally, lab-grown cells could be transplanted into spinal networks to promote regeneration and restore function. While this shows promise, it remains in the experimental stages and is not yet widely available.
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Rehabilitation for Spinal Cord Injuries
Rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery, focusing on improving mobility, independence, and quality of life. Selecting the right facility early in recovery is essential, as specialized centers offer the needed expertise and resources.
Essential Rehabilitation Specialists
Effective rehabilitation requires a multidisciplinary team of experts, including:
- Physiatrists: Physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation who coordinate long-term recovery.
- Rehabilitation Nurses: Skilled in managing bladder and bowel issues, preventing bedsores, and addressing pain and breathing challenges. They help patients achieve independence and manage complex medical needs.
- Occupational Therapists (OTs): Assist patients in regaining the ability to perform daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning. They also evaluate and adapt home environments for safety and accessibility.
- Physical Therapists (PTs): Focus on improving motor and sensory function, reducing spasticity, maintaining muscle integrity, and developing strength and coordination. PTs also help patients use assistive devices effectively.
Restoring Function & Mobility
Rehabilitation begins with maintaining and strengthening existing muscle function while relearning fine motor skills and developing techniques to complete daily tasks. Personalized rehabilitation plans may include:
- Medications: Oral or injectable treatments to manage pain and spasticity.
- Orthopedic Procedures: To support joint and muscle function.
- Bracing & Splinting: For stabilization and improved mobility.
- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES): Uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscle activity.
- Diaphragm Pacing: Assists patients with respiratory challenges by stimulating the diaphragm.
- Wheelchair Programs: Help patients select and adapt to the most suitable wheelchair.
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Local Support Available in Houston
Houston provides a wealth of resources and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries. Renowned facilities such as TIRR Memorial Hermann in the Houston Medical Center offer comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed to help patients regain mobility and independence. These programs combine physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling services to address the physical and emotional needs of spinal cord injury victims.
For community-based support, Houston is home to several spinal cord injury support groups. These groups provide individuals and families with a platform to connect, share experiences, and offer mutual encouragement. Accessing these resources not only provides valuable insights and coping strategies but also fosters a sense of belonging within a supportive community. Engaging with local support networks can be critical to recovery. These resources offer guidance on practical matters such as modifying living spaces for accessibility, navigating legal rights, and exploring available healthcare options. By leveraging Houston’s extensive support infrastructure, spinal cord injury victims and their families can better adapt to life after injury and build a foundation for long-term success.
Talk to Our Houston Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers During a Free Case Review
A spinal cord injury can bring immense financial and emotional challenges. Extensive medical bills for tests and treatment, combined with the inability to work, can make it increasingly difficult to stay financially stable. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation to secure your future.
At Arnold & Itkin, we are dedicated to advocating for those who have been wrongfully injured. If you or a loved one has suffered paralysis or a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s actions, we are here to help. Our experienced team can help you identify the responsible parties and seek the compensation you deserve for the hardships you’ve endured. With over $20 billion recovered for our clients, including record-setting verdicts, we have a proven track record of success. You can rely on us to fight tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Call (888) 493-1629 today for a free consultation.
