Spine related medical conditions and treatments

Trauma, loss of normal blood supply, compression from tumour or infection can cause serious damage to the spinal cord. An injury to the upper portion of the spinal cord in the neck can cause quadriplegia-paralysis of both arms and both legs. If the injury to the spinal cord occurs lower in the back it can cause paraplegia-paralysis of both legs only. Diagnosis is very crucial in case of spinal injuries and requires physical examination to check if sensation and reflexes are present in the arms and legs followed by x-ray, CT scan and MRI for a better view.

Based on the extent of injury, ventilators are provided to assist respiration followed by immobilization and administering high dose steroids to reduce pain and inflammation. Relieving pressure on the spinal cord which may require removing portions of the vertebrae is standard procedure before stabilizing the spine with a combination of metal screws, rods and plates.