Spinal Cord Injury

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries: What Patients in New Jersey Need to Know

A spinal cord injury refers to damage to the spinal cord that disrupts communication between the brain and the body. This can result in partial or complete loss of movement, sensation, or control of bodily functions. Injuries may result from trauma—such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries—or from conditions like cancer, infections, or degenerative diseases. About 18,000 traumatic spinal cord injuries occur in the U.S. each year.

Spinal cord injuries may involve fractures, dislocations, compression, or inflammation of the vertebrae or spinal cord tissue. The extent of recovery depends on the severity and location of the injury. While some patients regain function with treatment and therapy, others may experience permanent changes. Early and ongoing rehabilitation is critical to maximizing recovery outcomes.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord is a vital bundle of nerves that runs from the brain down through the spine. It controls both voluntary (such as movement) and involuntary (like breathing and digestion) functions.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe neck, head, or back pain
• Tingling or numbness in hands, feet, or limbs
• Loss of movement or coordination
• Difficulty walking or balancing
• Breathing difficulties
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction (urgency, incontinence, or retention)

Top Spinal Cord Risk Factors: Who Is Most at Risk?

Some individuals are more vulnerable to spinal cord injuries due to lifestyle, health, or environmental factors.

Top risk factors include:

• Age — Young adults (due to high-risk activities) and older adults (due to falls)
• Gender — Men are more frequently affected due to risk-related behaviors (about 79% of new cases are males)
• Sports and recreation — Football, diving, gymnastics, skiing, etc.
• Substance use — Alcohol is a common factor in traumatic injuries
• Medical conditions — Osteoporosis, arthritis, infections, spinal tumors, or degenerative spine disease

Vehicle crashes are the most recent leading cause of injury, closely followed by falls. Acts of violence (primarily gunshot wounds) and sports/recreation activities are also common causes.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries: The Four Main Levels

The spinal column has 33 vertebrae, grouped into four regions, each controlling different functions:

• Cervical (neck): Affects the arms, hands, neck, and breathing
• Thoracic (upper back): Impacts chest, abdominal muscles, and some organs
• Lumbar (lower back): Controls lower back, legs, and sexual function
• Sacral (pelvic area): Affects thighs, feet, bladder, bowel, and sexual organs

Doctors That Treat Spinal Cord Injuries

Treating a spinal cord injury requires a team of specialists, since the injury can affect multiple systems in the body. Each type of doctor plays a specific role in diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation.

Physicians involved might include neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, physiatrists, neurologists, trauma surgeons, radiologists, critical care or ICU physicians, urologists,  and/or pulmonologists. 

At New Jersey Brain and Spine, our team includes subspecialized neurosurgeons and comprehensive care providers who work together to deliver expert, compassionate treatment.

Treatment Options for Spinal Cord Injuries and Recovery 

Treatment depends on the nature and extent of the injury. Common treatment approaches include: 

• Emergency care to stabilize the spine
• Surgery, such as laminectomy, if needed, to remove bone fragments or relieve pressure
• Rehabilitation (physical therapy, occupational therapy)
• Medications (e.g., steroids to reduce inflammation)
• Long-term care and assistive devices

Recovery from spinal cord injuries depends on the location and severity of the injury. While some individuals may regain partial or full function, others experience permanent impairments. 

Life expectancy for people with spinal cord injuries varies, especially if there is neurological impairment. Spinal cord injuries may also accelerate the aging process, leading to vertical compression fractures earlier than is typical. Because spinal cord injuries affect mobility, those with spinal cord injuries tend to lose muscle tone, bone density, and flexibility much more quickly than those without such injuries. Spinal cord injuries can also lead to secondary conditions like mental health conditions and pressure sores.  

Case Study: Successful Treatment of a Patient with Spinal cord injury

Harmony, a 24-year-old female was brought to the emergency department by ambulance after experiencing a high-speed collision on her motorcycle. She was conscious but unable to move her legs and had limited arm movement. She complained of numbness below the shoulders and difficulty breathing.
Imaging (CT & MRI) showed a fracture-dislocation at C5-C6 with spinal cord compression. She was diagnosed with an incomplete cervical SCI with a high risk of permanent paralysis if not treated quickly.

A neurosurgeon with New Jersey Brain and Spine performed an emergency spinal decompression and fusion surgery. He removed bone fragments compressing the spinal cord and stabilized the spine using anterior cervical fusion with a metal plate and bone graft. The goal was to preserve remaining function and prevent further damage.

Six-months post-op, Harmony had regained full arm movement and had significant improvement in hand function. She was able to walk with a walker and complete most activities independently. She maintains ongoing physical therapy and continues to follow up with New Jersey Brain and Spine, and she continues to improve every month. 

[Patient name and some details have been changed for anonymity]

Why Trust NJBS Neurosurgeons for Spinal Cord Injury Treatment in New Jersey

At New Jersey Brain and Spine, we are proud to be recognized as one of the top 3 neurosurgery practices in the U.S.. Our team offers unmatched experience, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and individualized recovery plans for patients with spinal cord injuries. Our providers are actively involved in clinical research and innovation, helping patients access the latest in spinal cord treatments. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing a spinal cord injury and is assessing their treatment options, please contact New Jersey Brain and Spine today. We would be honored and privileged to support your treatment and recovery journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Spinal cord injury