What is a Spinal cord? It is a long, fragile tube-like structure that begins at the end of the brain stem and continues down almost to the bottom of the spine. It contains nerve cells, called neurons, and bundles of nerve fibers, or axons, that carry signals to and from the brain. The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages from the brain to all parts of the body. A person is able to experience pain and move our limbs because of messages sent through the spinal cord.
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. 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.
According to studies; More than 2.5 million people worldwide lived with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. Here are some of the causes of spinal cord injury:
- 41.7% Fall from a significant height
- 31.6% Road accidents
- 11.6% Sports related
- 4.2% Collision or Lifting
- 3.3% Trauma
- 2.7% Violent attack
The most common signs & symptoms of a person suffering from spinal cord injury includes:
- Problem walking
- Pain & discomfort
- Inability to move
- Stiffness or Tightness of neck or back
- Feeling of numbness
- Tingling sensation
- Loss of control of bladder / bowel
- Unnatural position of head
Practical tips to avoid a spinal cord injury:
- Prevent Falls : Put a nonslip mat in your showroom and toilets, always install a handrail on stairways, use a stool in reaching high areas
- Drive Carefully : Car accidents is a very common cause of paralysis and other spine injury. Avoid texting when you are driving. Wear your seat belt all the time.
- Take precautions in sports : Use the proper safety gears in any sports activity
- Play areas for children should always be supervised and well lighted.
If you or your love ones suspects or suffers from any type of head or spine injury; it is highly advisable that you immediately seek medical care. It is also recommended for you to visit a neurologist; They are doctors that specializes in the the diagnosis and treatment of various issues of the nervous system and other disorders of the brain, spine and peripheral nerves. They also handles problems on back or neck pain. #spinalcord #spine #backpain #neckpain #pain #painmanagement #numbness #fall #nervoussystem #nerve #nervepain #nervedamage #specialist #doctor #neurologist #winnielimkhoo #doctor #manila #philippines #diet #exercise #food #health #healthy #lifestyle
DR WINNIE LIM KHOO : ADULT NEUROLOGIST / HEADACHE MASTER 