The Road to Recovery After a Spinal Cord Injury

Did you know that between 250,000 and 500,000 people suffer a Spinal Cord Injury worldwide yearly. In other words, a staggeringly high number of individuals undergo  life-altering changes annually. To understand why a Spinal Cord Injury can be detrimental to a person’s physical, emotional, and social wellbeing we’ll first have to understand how it is caused, what complicates the recovery, and how it can be overcome. 

The Spinal Cord is a long, fragile tube-like structure that starts from the base of the brain to the waist of the body. It is the line of communication between the brain and the rest of the body with nerves that carry incoming and outgoing messages — to and from the brain. It is also the reflex center of the body, enabling responses like joint jerks, changes in pressure, and temperature. 

And because a Spinal Cord’s function is so vital to our body, an injury to it can lead to loss of strength, sensation, and movement. That’s not all, people are also known to endure mental, emotional, and social impediments. However, timely treatment and rehabilitation can help individuals lead a productive and independent life. 

Before, we delve into the treatment,  let us take a look at the most common causes of Spinal Cord Injury: 

• Road accidents are the leading cause worldwide 

• Falls are responsible for 15% of all cases 

• Acts of violence contribute to 12% of Spinal Cord Injuries 

• Sport and recreational activities account for 10% of all cases 

• Alcohol consumption accounts for 1 out of every 4 cases

• Diseases like cancer, arthritis, inflammation of the Spinal Cord are also known causes 

On the basis of severity, a Spinal Cord Injury has been classified into: 

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

This results in complete loss of body movements with no sensation or motor functions below the site of the injury. Approximately 50% of the Spinal Cord Injuries are complete. 

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

If an individual is able to experience some sensation and perform motor function below the injury, it will be categorized as an incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. In fact, patients are typically able to move one arm or leg with an improved recovery rate.

The road to recovery

The recovery process include two broad stages: 

• Hospitalization 

• Rehabilitation 

During hospitalization, the first priority after the injury, the patient remains under critical care. First, the vital parameters of the patient are checked. Then several tests are conducted to check sensation in various parts of the body, especially the limbs. Depending on the severity of the injury, a brace called cervical collar might be used to keep the spine stable. To access further damage, an MRI or a CT scan is typically recommended. Once physicians have visibility into the extent of damage, the need for a surgery is assessed. 

The days that follow the incident that caused the injury, doctors work towards mitigating further damage and preventing complications. And after the initial treatment, a rehabilitation program is charted out. 

Rehabilitation takes place out of the hospital, usually at a center where patients undergo therapy for at least three hours a day. 

Under the Regenerative Rehabilitation Program at Plexus, apart from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, acupuncture, and therapeutic massages, we also include Stem Cell Therapy Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury. 

Stem Cell Therapy is a drugless, painless, non-surgical procedure where stem cells, that have the ability to regenerate and replace damaged cells, are injected in the affected area. And due to their ability to regenerate, stem cells have shown positive results in managing and mitigating the adverse effects and complications of Spinal Cord Injuries. It won’t be wrong to say that Stem Cell Therapy is proving to be a ray of hope for those battling Spinal Cord Injuries. 

Apart from Stem Cell Therapy, the Regenerative Rehabilitation Program for treatment of Spinal Cord Injury includes: 

• Training to improve balance while standing

• Training for improved trunk control

• Strengthening of the trunk 

• Gait improvement training

• Activities of Daily Living (ADL training)

• Management of spasticity and orthostatic hypotension

• Enhancing the mobility of the person

• Training for transitional patterns

 

Remember, a Spinal Cord Injury can be a life altering event. However, with early intervention and correct rehabilitation, the chances for the patient being able to live independently again are considerably higher.