Understanding Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury

 Thoracic spinal injury is one type of spinal damage. This particular type can cause a number of problems for a patient, including a disruption in the nervous systems delicate balance. Plexus offers regenerative rehabilitation programs for spinal cord injuries. These include stem cell treatment, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

This blog provides a complete guide to thoracic injuries. We discuss the symptoms and lifestyle challenges as well as the crucial role that rehabilitation plays in restoring functionality.

What is Spinal Cord injury?

The spinal cord is injured by a trauma. This condition can be devastating. The injury is severe enough to bruise, partially tear, and even tear the entire spinal cord.

SCI is characterized by muscle weakness, loss, or dysfunction of bowel, bladder, or sexual functions, as well as a lack of sensation. SCI can cause these critical symptoms. They must be identified immediately and treated.

Spinal Cord Injuries Types

SCIs can be classified in several ways. SCIs vary in classification depending on what caused the injury.

Complete: The SCI will cause a complete loss of functionality or paralysis at the level below the injury. Both sides can be affected. It is also known to paralyse four limbs, or just lower half.

Incomplete: A partial SCI may still have some residual functions on one side or both. The body and the brain can still communicate via certain pathways.

What is Thoracic Spinal-Cell Injury?

The thoracic backbone is composed of twelve vertebrae. This is the region of the back that connects cervical and lumbar. This segment contains the spinal cord, which transmits signals between the head and the rest body. It also facilitates motor functions and sensory perception.

A thoracic SCI is a spinal injury that occurs in the thoracic region. Thoracic injuries may result from traumas such as:

Falls

Motor accidents

Sports injuries

Non-traumatic Factors: Diseases, infections, and degenerative conditions

The severity a thoracic SCI can vary depending on the degree of spinal cord damage.

Thoracic Spinal Cord Damage Symptoms

A thoracic SCI is a serious injury that can affect both the motor and sensory function below the area of the injury. The severity of the symptoms is dependent on the level at which the injury occurred along the spine. This would mean

The upper thoracic segments are affected, affecting hand and arm functionality, as well as respiratory muscles

Spinal Injuries T6 to T12

This condition usually affects the legs, lower back muscles, and abdominal muscles

Common symptoms of thoracic spinal cord injury include:

Motor impairment

Leg weakness or paralysis

Some cases of paralysis affecting the chest and neck (not the arms).

The loss of fine and gross motor functions below the injury

Disruption to autonomic functions

Causing blood pressure irregularities

Uneven temperature regulation

Changes in sexual functions and fertility

Sweating

Affected or lost sensations below the level where injury occurs

The effects of touch, temperature and proprioception

Changes in perceptions of pain and pressure

Impaired respiratory functions

Respiratory infections are at increased risk

Bowel problems and bladder problems

Loss bowel and bladder function

Increased risk of urinary infection

Constipation is a growing problem

Some people may require assistance or adaptive techniques

Spasticity

Involuntary muscle contractions and increased muscle tone

It can cause stiffness and spasms

Over time, there are other issues:

Neuropathic pain is characterized by burning, tingling and shooting sensations.

Musculoskeletal problems (as a result of changes in posture or mobility

Reduced mobility is a cause of pressure sores.

Take a look at the following:

Anxiety

Plexus' Rehabilitation Programme for Thoracic Spinal Cord injuries

Recovery from a SCI of the thoracic region is a complicated and life-long process. This is why rehabilitation has a crucial role. Our rehabilitation for thoracic SCI includes therapeutic intervention such as:

Stem Cell Therapy. Injected MSCs provide trophic support for the injured spinal cord environment. This is achieved through modulating inflammation, increasing blood flow and suppressing cystic change.

Occupational Therapist - The occupational therapist encourages an individual to achieve independence through teaching adaptive techniques in activities of everyday living, community integration, and other tasks such as household chores, caring for family members, work/school, etc.

Physical Therapy It is a targeted exercise program that can help improve flexibility, strength, and mobility.

Respiratory Treatment: We assess and track respiratory function. We suggest breathing exercises to prevent post-SCI complications including atelectasis.

Mobility Aids (and Assistive Equipment): These devices include wheelchairs and braces that can improve mobility as well everyday functionality and reduce dependence on external sources.

We provide counseling and psychological support to our patients, their caregivers, and families.

Three factors should be considered when managing SCI symptomatology:

Seriousness of injury

Medical response should be swift to limit secondary injury as much possible

Consistent rehabilitation

It's not the end. It does not have to be that way. Our centres in Bangalore and Hyderabad provide the best in rehabilitation services. They take your symptoms into consideration and also consider your goals.

Team Plexus will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the treatment of thoracic SCI.

WhatsApp +91 98448 42087

Call +91 781 64668 in Hyderabad