It is a potentially life-threatening condition. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent paralysis.

What is a Spinal Injury?

A spinal injury is a serious condition that occurs when the vertebrae, discs, or spinal cord are damaged after trauma. It can range in severity from a simple bone fracture to permanent spinal cord damage and paralysis.

Traffic accidents, falls from heights, sports injuries, or workplace accidents are the most common causes. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, permanent disability can be prevented.

Types of Spinal Injuries

Vertebral Fracture : A crack or fragmentation in the bone
Disc Injury : Rupture or slippage of the disc
Spinal Cord Compression : Fracture or hematoma compressing the spinal cord
Spinal Cord Injury : Loss of strength and sensation, paralysis, loss of urinary/stool control

$Image showing types of spinal injuries, spinal fractures, spinal cord injuries and spinal instability$

Image represents spinal injury include severe back and waist pain, limited movement, numbness, and paralysis.

Symptoms

Severe back or neck pain
Numbness or weakness in the arm/leg
Urinary or fecal incontinence
Complete or partial paralysis
Sensory loss
Limited or painful head and spine movements

Diagnosis

Neurological Examination: Sensory, reflex, muscle strength testing
CT: Fracture or displacement assessment
MRI: Examination of the disc, spinal cord and soft tissues
Radiography (X-ray): Checking stability and alignment

$Image representing diagnosis of spinal fractures and spinal cord injuries with CT, MRI imaging and neurological examination showing the spinal injury diagnosis process$

Treatment Options

🔹 Conservative Treatment

Bed rest
Use of neck collar / corset
Painkillers and anti-edema drugs

🔹 Surgical Treatment

Spinal screws – fusion surgeries
Spinal cord decompression
Stabilization and deformity correction

Post-Operative Process

Hospital follow-up, infection and embolism precautions
Neurological examination follow-up
Rehabilitation (physical therapy, bladder training, walking exercises)
Routine MRI and check-ups

Visual showing the process after spinal injury surgery, intensive care monitoring, physical therapy, rehabilitation and regular neurological follow-up

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does everyone with a spinal fracture undergo surgery?
No. Not all spinal fractures require surgery.
Some fractures that are stable and do not put pressure on the spinal cord can be treated with a brace and rest.
However, if unstable fractures are accompanied by spinal cord compression or neurological deficits, surgery may be necessary.
Does a slipped disc cause paralysis?
Not every slipped disc causes paralysis. However, large disc herniations that press on the spinal cord or nerve roots can cause severe pain, loss of sensation, and, in more severe cases, muscle weakness or impaired bladder and bowel control. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce this risk.
Is spinal cord injury permanent?
The permanence of spinal cord injury depends on the severity and level of injury.
While partial recovery may be achieved in some patients, functions may not return in cases of complete incisions.
Early intervention, relief of pressure and rehabilitation process can be decisive in the outcome.
How long should I wear a corset?
The duration of corset use varies depending on the location, type and healing status of the fracture.
A period of 4–8 weeks is generally recommended. Regular radiological checkups and physician follow-up are important during this period.
Can I return to normal walking after surgery?
Many patients can return to normal or near-normal walking ability with post-surgical rehabilitation.
However, this depends on the patient's preoperative neurological status, the type of surgery, and their participation in physical therapy.