Types Of Spinal Cord Injuries

When you get a spinal injury, you will need to go in for a spinal surgery for recovery. This is rather an understatement because it is never as simple as it seems. In fact, a spinal surgery carried out by a back pain specialist or spinal surgeon can be the most traumatic experience of your life. The recovery from a spinal cord injury is never fully guaranteed as well. In this article, we look at some of the most common types of spinal cord injuries.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two basic categories of spinal cord injuries, as per the division that is made by back pain specialist and experts.

  • Incomplete spinal cord injuries
  • Complete spinal cord injuries

Let’s talk about each type in-depth one by one.

  1. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

As the name indicates, the incomplete spinal cord injury is when the spinal cord is partially damaged only. In this type of injury, only a specific part of the spine is damaged but there is still mobility in the affected person. The amount of movement highly depends on the degree of damage.

  1. Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

As the name suggests, a complete spinal cord injury is when the spine is completely damaged leaving no space for mobility or movement at all. The function of the spine is completely tampered. However, both types of injuries are treatable through surgery as well as physiotherapy. However, recovery depends on the amount of damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries – As Per Doctor Labels

Of course, professional medical experts have their own labels for certain types of spinal cord injuries. The label is given according to the nature of injuries. Common types of spinal cords injuries as per doctor labels are the following.

  • Tetraplegia

The most severe in nature that can result in complete loss of sensation and movement in the limbs and lower body part is referred to as tetraplegia. Also known as quadriplegia, this injury is most severe. It not only causes limb paralysis but can also adversely impact the bladder and bowel functions as well as important digestive functions.

  • Paraplegia

The paraplegia is the type of injury that damages the thoracic spinal cord region only. The resulting condition is loss of sensation and mobility. This injury is severe but only if it damages the top vertebra.

  • Triplegia

This is a type of condition in which injury to the spinal cord results in loss of sensation in both limbs. One or both arms mobility can also be affected by this type of injury.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries Are More Common

Injuries that fall under the incomplete spinal cord damage category are more common. The most commonly reported partial spine injuries include

  • Anterior Cord Syndrome

The type of injury in which the front spinal cord is damaged and the motor pathways are ruptured. Outcome is difficult in mobility and partial loss of sensation.

  • Central Cord Syndrome

The type of injury that occurs by damage to the center of the spinal cord. IT damages the nerve endings in this part of the spine.

  • Brown-Sequard Syndrome

This type of damage is most severe and caused to only one side of the spine – hence affecting only one part of the body.

However, all incomplete or partial injuries are treatable through spinal injury or physical therapy. But if there are more complications, it might lead to spinal surgery Woodbridge, VA.

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