Spinal cord injury
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation in Haldwani
A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord. It’s an extremely serious type of physical trauma that’s likely to have a lasting and significant impact on most aspects of daily life.
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves and other tissue that the vertebrae of the spine contains and protects. The vertebrae are the bones stacked on top of each other that make up the spine. The spine contains many nerves, and extends from the brain’s base down the back, ending close to the buttocks.
The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages from the brain to all parts of the body. It also sends messages from the body to the brain. We’re able to perceive pain and move our limbs because of messages sent through the spinal cord.
If the spinal cord sustains an injury, some or all of these impulses may not be able to “get through.” The result is a complete or total loss of sensation and mobility below the injury. A spinal cord injury closer to the neck will typically cause paralysis throughout a larger part of the body than one in the lower back area.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Usually Occur
Spinal cord injuries are often the result of sudden, unpredictable trauma, including:
- Violent incidents, such as a stabbing or gunshot
- Diving into shallow water
- Trauma during a car accident, particularly to the head, neck, back, or chest
- Falls from a significant height
- Head or spinal injuries during sports
- Electrical accidents
- Severe twisting of the torso
Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
Symptoms can include:
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Inability to move the arms or legs
- Spreading numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Pain, pressure, or stiffness in the back or neck
- Signs of shock
- Unnatural positioning of the head
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves imaging and nerve function tests, including:
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- X-rays of the spine
- Evoked potential testing, which measures how quickly nerve signals reach the brain
Preventing Spinal Cord Injuries
Since spinal cord injuries often result from unpredictable events, reducing risk is the best available approach:
- Always wear a seatbelt in a car
- Wear proper protective gear during sports
- Never dive into water without first confirming it’s deep enough and free of hazards
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation in Haldwani at Healthcapes
Once medically stabilized and cleared by your treating physician, structured rehabilitation plays a vital role in recovery. At Healthcapes, our physiotherapy programs focus on rebuilding strength, mobility, and independence to the greatest extent possible, working closely within the guidance of your treating medical team to support your specific recovery goals.