Spinal Injury Treatment
Of all the kinds of injuries you might sustain, a spinal injury can have perhaps the most devastating effect on your everyday life. Trauma to the nervous system's central hub can cause everything from pain and weakness to outright paralysis. The good news is that prompt, thorough treatment can help many patients regain function and sensation. Dr. Edwards can employ multiple therapeutic techniques to help you recover from your injury.
Causes and Symptoms of Spinal Injuries
The spinal cord is the most massive collection of nerve tissue in the body apart from the brain itself. This "trunk" of nerve fibers relays every signal - from your ability to feel heat or cold to your ability to wiggle your toes - between the brain and all parts of the body. While the spinal cord receives some protection from the bony canal that surrounds it, a variety of traumatic events can still cause it to become injured. These might include falls at home or at work, auto accidents, sports accident impacts, and violent acts such as physical assault. In some cases, the injury may occur when vertebral components are knocked out of alignment, damaging the spinal cord tissue in the process. Degenerative ailments such as spinal stenosis (in which the spinal canal becomes too narrow) or osteoarthritis (which causes shifts in vertebral alignment) may produce a spinal cord injury and/or impingement.
The symptoms of a spinal injury vary according to the location and severity of the damage. An incomplete injury might cause pain or tingling in the extremities, along with the loss of sensation and muscle weakness. More serious damage may cause loss of bladder, bowel or sexual function. A complete spinal injury may cause total paralysis in a particular area of the body.
How We Can Help
Spinal injuries need to be addressed immediately in order to prevent additional damage and initiate the healing process. Dr. Edwards can check the extent and nature of the damage, as well as determine any alignment problems that may pose a continuing threat. Chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression therapy can bring these components back into line and help stabilize their position while taking pressure off the spinal tissue to relieve some of your symptoms right away. Nerve tissue is notoriously slow to heal, but the sooner you get started on your treatment, the better the results can be.
You may also benefit from other supportive therapies aimed at retaining or improving strength and motor control in your muscles. Corrective exercises, lifestyle adjustments, nutritional therapy and assistive devices can all play key roles in your rehabilitation. If you suffer a spinal cord injury, don't assume the worst. We may be able to help you begin the healing process and return to the activities you enjoy.
