Spinal cord problems can have serious consequences for patients because the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages to the body from the brain regarding movement and sensations. The most common spinal cord problems are from injuries to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. These injuries may result from an accident, trauma or a chronic condition, such as multiple sclerosis or severe arthritis. Spinal cord injuries and problems often result in total or partial paralysis, bladder and bowel control problems, pain, circulation problems, and respiratory problems.
Injuries to the spinal cord often arise from accidents involving vehicles, sports, or severe falls. These traumas usually result in immediate spinal cord problems, while issues that arise from chronic conditions often have a slower onset as symptoms gradually build up over time. Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common causes of spinal cord problems, and causes inflammation in the body's central nervous system. This results in spinal cord symptoms, including pain, numbness, weakness, bowel and bladder problems, and movement difficulties. Other conditions, including arthritis and certain cancers, can irritate the spinal cord, resulting in injury and further problems.
Severe spinal cord injuries often result in full or partial paralysis, depending on the area of the spinal cord injured and how how much sensory and motor function is lost. Some injuries affect the entire body, while others only affect the lower body. Patients who do not lose complete function can minimize symptoms and regain some motor function with physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery to repair the spinal cord.
Bowel and bladder control issues are also common spinal cord problems. If the nerves responsible for bladder and bowel control are damaged, the brain may not be able to send the signals needed for proper emptying of the bladder and bowels. Control may be able to be regained through therapy, though some spinal cord injury patients require outside methods, such as catheters and stomas, to empty waste.
Patients who suffer from spinal cord problems often have chronic pain. Pain is usually nerve-related, though muscle and joint pain from overuse are also possible, particularly in patients who have lost some sensory abilities because they often cannot tell when they start to feel sore until it is too late. It is often managed with therapy and medications to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. In some cases, patients must wear special back braces to immobilize their movements and prevent further injury and pain.
Circulatory and respiratory issues are common spinal cord problems for patients who have suffered an injury. Patients may experience a drop in blood pressure when they stand up, which contributes to swelling in the legs and feet. Other circulatory problems create an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and blood clots, which can be very serious conditions. Some spinal cord injury patients have breathing problems that must be controlled with medication. Injuries in the chest region of the spinal cord are more likely to cause breathing difficulties.
