Are you suffering from Spinal Dysfunction?
Most spinal injuries damage the discs, cartilage and ligaments that hold the bones of the spine together. When such "soft tissue" injuries occur, the movement of the spinal joints is changed. This change, or dysfunction, may cause some joints to move too little and others to move too much.
If you are looking for spinal dysfunction help and pain relief, please call us!
What is Spinal Dysfunction?
The spinal cord carries signals from the brain to the rest of the body. When there's damage to the spinal cord or spine, it can affect the spine's ability to move like it should (this is called “spinal dysfunction”.
What Is Spinal Cord Disorder?
Spinal cord disorders are conditions that cause damage and deterioration to the spinal cord. These conditions may include:
Tumors
Spinal stenosis
Herniated discs
Abscess
Hematoma
Vertebral fractures
Degenerative disc disease
The spinal cord is a tubelike structure that consists of a bundle of nerves that extends from the base of the brain and down the back. The spinal cord carries messages from the brain to the rest of the body. The spinal cord is located within the vertebrae (the backbone). The spinal cord is divided into four areas, any of which can be affected by spinal cord disorders. These areas include:
Cervical (neck)
Lumbar (upper back region)
Thoracic (lower back region)
Sacral (pelvis)
The sensory roots relay messages to different areas of the skin’s surface, called dermatomes. The loss of sensation in any particular dermatome can indicate a spinal cord disorder and allows doctors to locate the specific area where the spinal cord may be damaged.
Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Disorder
Weakness or paralysis of limbs
Loss of sensation
Changes in reflexes
Loss of urinary or bowel control
Uncontrolled muscle spasms
Back pain
Causes of a Spinal Cord Disorder
Spinal cord disorders can originate from either outside or inside the spinal cord. Damage from the outside of the cord is caused by compression of the spinal cord or injury. The spinal cord may be compressed due to a bone fracture, spinal degeneration, or abnormalities, such as a hematoma, tumor or herniated disk.
Damage from inside the spinal cord can be caused by a number of disorders, such as:
Fluid-filled cavities
Blockage of blood supply
Vitamin deficiency
Autoimmune diseases
Multiple sclerosis
Syphilis
Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Disorder
A careful physical exam and a review of medical history is the first step in diagnosing a spinal cord disorder.
Treatment for spinal cord disorders may include:
Physical or occupational therapy
Activity modification
Surgery when necessary
The use of medications to help control issues such as:
Bowel and bladder dysfunctions
Pain
Muscle spasticity
Blood pressure
Other health issues
Follow up care with a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist who can assist and oversee a long-term rehab therapy plan. Please call us today!