Recovery From Spinal Injury

Spinal injury is a result of the dislocation or a fracture to the vertebrae. A spinal injury usually tears into the spinal cord tissue or presses down on the nerves in the spine. If you have a complete or severe injury, you will be paralyzed. Most people with a spinal cord injury will always have some decrease in sensation. It takes a long time to recover from a spinal injury but immediate treatment can reduce recovery time. Most treatment involves physical therapy and medication.

Medication

• Medications are given to individuals suffering from a spinal injury in order to control muscle spasms and alleviate pain. Medications are also used to prevent swelling. If swelling is not controlled, it can further press down on the spine causing further injury. Corticosteroids, specifically dexamethasone or methylprednisone are the medications that are most commonly prescribed to reduce the swelling. Narcotics, such as Demerol, Codeine and Darvocett, are often prescribed for pain.

Traction or Surgery

• After a spinal injury you may to be placed in traction. When you are in traction you are placed in metal braces in order to prevent you from moving your spine. This stabilizes the injury and prevents you from further injuring yourself. A neck collar may also be used depending on the type of injury. Some instances may require emergency surgery to relieve spinal compression or bone fragments.

Physical Therapy

• Once the injury has been identified and treated, physical therapy is needed to help regain muscle strength. You may have to relearn fine motor skills and how to perform day-to-day tasks, such as walking, tying your shoes or standing from a seated position. Medical devices, such as walkers or wheelchairs, may be needed to support your weight until you fully recover from your injury. Individuals who have been paralyzed due to spinal injury may never fully regain sensation even after rehabilitation.