What are treatments for a spinal cord injury?
With almost any spinal cord injury, there is a clear before and after. Before, you had the ability to get around under your own power and do your daily activities. But after, life changes dramatically. You may need devices to help you do everyday tasks or even a wheelchair and the assistance of your family for the rest of your life.
Spinal cord injuries happen in different ways. As the Cleveland Clinic explains, health care providers will generally treat spinal cord damage at three different stages.
Immediate treatment
If you sustain serious injuries in an auto accident, you will probably require emergency surgery at the nearest hospital. Emergency treatment may not only save your life but prevent further damage to your spinal cord. Doctors may take care of broken bones or blood clots that present a danger to your spine. It is also possible doctors will inject you with a corticosteroid to help your body’s blood flow and nerve function.
Treatment going forward
Once you are in stable condition, doctors will devise your treatment based on your injury. If you have suffered a complete spinal cord injury, you will have permanent paralysis below the affected region. With an incomplete injury, you might still keep nerve function past the damaged area.
Your doctors will help you find ways to enhance your independence and your quality of life. If possible, your treatment will help you restore some of your lost nerve functions. Expect your treatment to also deal with possible health complications that could arise from your injury.
Rehabilitation and therapy
It is probable that you will require therapy to help you cope with your new circumstances. Some rehabilitation occurs during your hospital stay, but you may need continuing therapy at a rehab center or at home. Rehab measures may help you understand how to use assistance devices to compensate for your lost motor skills.
If possible, your therapy will help you at least partially regain some of your lost motor function. Additionally, your therapy may build up your strength in areas of your body that still retain functionality.
