Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury

Treatment begins with the emergency medical personnel who make an initial evaluation and immobilise the patient for transport. Immediate medical care within the first 8 hours following injury is critical to the patient's recovery. Nowadays there is much greater knowledge about the moving and handling of spinal injury patients. Incorrect techniques used at this stage could worsen the injuries considerably.

When injury occurs and for a period of time thereafter, the spinal cord responds by swelling. Treatment starts with steroid drugs, these can be administered at the scene by an air ambulance Doctor or trained paramedic. These drugs reduce inflammation in the injured area and help to prevent further damage to cellular membranes that can cause nerve death. Sparing nerves from further damage and death is crucial.

Each patient's injury is unique. Some patients require surgery to stabilise the spine, correct a gross misalignment, or to remove tissue causing cord or nerve compression. Spinal stabilisation often helps to prevent further damage. Some patients may be placed in traction and the spine allowed to heal naturally. Every injury is unique as is the course of post injury treatment that follows.

Different tissue and bony structures including vertebrae misaligned from the force of injury, a herniated disc, or a haematoma can cause spinal cord compression. An unstable spine may require spinal instrumentation and fusion to build in support.

Spinal instrumentation and fusion can be used to provide permanent stability to the spinal column. These procedures correct, join, and solidify the level where a spinal element has been damaged or removed (e.g. herniated disc)

Instrumentation uses medically designed hardware such as rods, bars, wires and screws. Instrumentation is combined with fusion (bone grafts) to permanently join two or more vertebrae.

Rehabilitation often includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counselling for emotional support. Each program is designed to meet the patient's unique needs.

The services may be initially provided while the patient is hospitalised or on a specialist spinal injuries unit. Following hospitalisation, some patient's are admitted to a rehabilitation facility. Other patients can continue rehabilitation on an outpatient basis and/or at home.

A physiotherapy (PT) program can facilitate the restoration of muscle strength, flexibility, improve mobility, coordination, and maintain body functions through exercise. Massage, hydrotherapy, and other treatments can help to relieve pain.

Gait training may be taught to patients with difficulty walking, which could include teaching the patient how to use assistive devices (e.g., walker, crutches or a cane). physiotherapy benefits the patient be preventing complications from surgery or illness.

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Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury