The Causes of Spinal Injury

A spinal cord injury can be a disabling condition due to the severity of damage that it can cause. The spinal cord helps control many of the functions that make your body operate. Much like the way a tree branches, your spinal cord stems throughout your body beginning at the base of your brain, and branching up to 17 inches down to your waist. The spinal cord also has nerve fibers that are operated by the brain. From these fibers are nerve roots that exist in between your vertebrae. If an injury occurs along the spinal cord and damages the nerves or nerve roots, injury can occur, paralysis can become a possibility and, in rare cases, even death.

Traumatic Injury

• In instances of traumatic injuries, the spinal cord may suffer from a blow to the spine. The spine may become fractured, dislocated or one of the vertebrae may become crushed or pinched. This may be due to injuries such as a car accident, falling or through an act of violence. After some time, bleeding from the traumatic injury may also occur, as well as swelling and fluid retention on the spinal cord.

Nerve Damage

• When nerves become damaged, nerve fibers that go through the area of injury will affect your muscles and nerves below where the injury occurred. This can happen when damage occurs to the nerves or nerve roots on the spinal cord where the lower back is involved or in the neck (cervical region).

Sporting Accidents

• Sports play a big part in spinal injuries. Nearly 14 percent of all spinal injuries are a result of sporting accidents, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, College of Medicine. Water-related accidents such as diving are also a cause of spinal injuries. Diving-related incidences were more associated with spine injuries that resulted in quadriplegia as a result of diving into shallow waters, according to The World Health Organization.

Contusion

• A contusion is a bruising that occurs at the area of injury, which causes damage to the tissue. In the case of a spinal contusion, bleeding happens around the spinal cord. If bleeding becomes extensive, the pressure from the bleeding will begin to kill neurons, which can cause extensive damage to the spinal cord and may result in paralysis if untreated, or a loss of sensation.

Diseases

• Disease can also have an impact on spinal cord injuries. Cancer or cysts on the spinal cord can cause pressure buildup. Even infections or arthritis and inflammation can cause spinal cord injuries. As a result, you may begin to experience loss of bladder or bowel control, loss of sensation (either in your hands or feet), difficulty in your breathing, and even changes in sensations, such as pain within your back, buttocks or legs.

Emergency Symptoms

• If you black out, feel pain in your head or back, begin to feel suddenly weak, feel numbness in limbs or extremities (i.e. fingers or toes), have difficulty in breathing, or notice that your neck twists in an odd position, seek help immediately. These symptoms are more likely to occur after a traumatic impact, such as a car accident, and it is important to get treated to prevent further complications, such as paralysis.