Spine cord traumaSpinal cord trauma occurs when there is an injury to the spinal cord caused by fracture or dislocation of the spinal column or disc rupture.

What causes spinal cord trauma?

There are many different causes of spinal cord injury including:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports injuries
• Degenerative changes that can lead to spinal instability

What does it feel like?

The symptoms may include weakness, paralysis, breathing difficulties, loss of bowel or bladder function, and pain.

How do I know if I have spinal cord trauma?

Your physician will perform a physical examination, as well as order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan to confirm the presence of the injury.

How is spinal cord trauma treated?

When someone suffers from a spinal cord trauma, it is a medical emergency. It is very important that they seek medical attention immediately following the injury.

Upon arrival to the hospital, the patient will receive treatments to try and prevent further damage to the spinal cord.

Depending on the type of trauma and severity of the spinal cord injury, the patient may need surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and restore stability to the spinal column.