Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is used in the treatment of injuries in the spinal cord. There are discs between the vertebrae, and spinal cord injuries usually occur in the discs and protective bones. As we know, the vertebrae consist of the most important parts that allow us to stand upright and bend left and right. The spinal cord provides the neural interaction between the brain and the arms, legs and trunk in our body.
The spinal cord, which affects even the entire sensory system of our body, is vital. Spinal cord injuries are serious. It can be mild, or it can cause serious damage, up to paralysis. The most frequently injured area is the most mobile region of the spine, namely the T12-L1 region. Spinal cord injuries can affect our entire nervous and sensory system. It can even cause irreversible problems.
What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries?
In particular, carrying more than one can carry causes spinal cord injuries. If the load is too much, the middle and posterior parts of the vertebra may be broken. This type of fracture is called a blast fracture. It would be wrong to say that not every blast fracture results in paralysis, but it does not cause paralysis. Sometimes excessive load can cause dislocation of the spine. Such conditions are called spinal dislocations.
As only dislocation can be seen, both fracture and dislocation can be seen at the same time. Traffic accidents are among the most common spinal cord injuries. Firearm injuries and sports injuries can also cause spinal cord injuries. Apart from these, osteoporosis and spinal tumors may also require spinal cord injury rehabilitation.
How Is a Spinal Cord Injury Treated?
Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is among the most used methods. The physical therapy process is started with certain movements and tools. In addition, in some spinal cord injuries, the patient can be fitted with a corset or plaster cast. In this way, the spinal cord remains stable and union of the fracture is ensured. Medication can be given for very severe pain. Movements recommended by experts should be repeated frequently.
In the first 3 months, blood thinners can be given to prevent clots from forming in the veins. In the physical therapy and rehabilitation process, methods such as stretching exercises, joint movement exercises, muscle strengthening exercises, hydrotherapy, robotic rehabilitation are applied. In addition, the patient should sit in a vertical position, in-bed exercises should be performed. Otherwise, it may cause muscle wasting.