What is a spinal injury?

What is a spinal injury?

A spinal injury is damage to the spinal cord or nerves within the spinal column, often caused by trauma like falls, accidents, or sports injuries. It can also result from diseases such as tumours or infections.

Spinal injuries can disrupt communication between the brain and body, leading to partial or complete loss of movement, sensation, or autonomic functions below the injury site. These injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete, depending on the extent of the damage.

Who is most at risk of spinal injuries?

Those most at risk of spinal injuries include young adults, particularly men, due to higher involvement in sports, car accidents, and risky activities. Older adults are also at risk, mainly from falls or conditions like osteoporosis. Additionally, individuals in high-risk professions, athletes in contact sports, and those with medical conditions like spinal tumours or degenerative diseases face increased vulnerability.

What are the types of spinal injury?

Spinal injuries are typically classified into two main types: complete and incomplete.

Complete Spinal Injury: This type involves total loss of function below the level of the injury. There is no sensation or movement in the affected areas, as the spinal cord is completely severed or severely damaged.

Incomplete Spinal Injury: In this case, the spinal cord is partially damaged, allowing some sensation or movement below the injury level. The severity can vary, with individuals possibly retaining partial motor or sensory function.

Spinal injuries are further categorised by the location of the damage:

• Cervical (Neck): Injuries to the neck area can lead to quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs).

• Thoracic (Upper Back): Injuries here can cause paraplegia (paralysis of the lower limbs).

• Lumbar (Lower Back): Damage to the lower back may affect the legs and pelvic organs, leading to varying degrees of paralysis or loss of function.

How do I best support someone with a spinal injury?

Living with a spinal injury can present significant challenges, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. Individuals with spinal injuries may experience varying levels of paralysis, loss of sensation, and difficulty with mobility, which can make everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing, and eating more difficult or impossible without assistance.

Additionally, spinal injuries can lead to chronic pain, bladder and bowel control issues, and a need for ongoing medical care. The emotional toll, including depression, anxiety, or changes in self-esteem, is also common as individuals adjust to new limitations and the loss of independence.

Professional carers are crucial in helping individuals with spinal injuries maintain quality of life and independence. They are trained to assist with daily activities, such as personal care, mobility, and medication management while providing emotional support to help manage the mental and psychological challenges of living with a spinal injury.

Professional carers can also help prevent complications like pressure sores, manage incontinence, and support rehabilitation exercises. By working with healthcare professionals like physiotherapists and occupational therapists, carers ensure that the individual receives a comprehensive care plan that addresses both immediate needs and long-term recovery. This support can significantly reduce the burden on family members, allowing them to focus on providing emotional encouragement and maintaining family connections.