What are Some of the Treatments for Spinal Cord or Back and Neck Injuries?

When it comes to treatment options, the main aim is to prevent further damage to the spinal cord. Typically, this involves immobilizing and stabilizing the spine using a neck collar or traction. Surgery may also be given to repair fractures and remove bone fragments and other foreign objects.

Medications are given to stabilize the patient as well as control further complications. The most common medications include painkillers, anti-spastic drugs to control muscle spasticity, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants.

The patient will also require ongoing care to delay or prevent complications such as pressure sores. Ongoing care also includes physical therapy to maintain joint range of motion, prevent the development of muscle contractures, and strengthen muscle function. Depending on the level and severity of the spinal cord injury, the patient will also be taught new skills to help cope with his or her disability and gain a little independence when it comes to his daily activities and self-care.

Spinal cord injuries can be temporary or permanent. If the injury is severe and permanent, the patient will need assistance and support throughout the rest of his or her life.

Bulged or herniated disc is a condition wherein the vertebral disc bulges or protrudes outward or into the spinal canal. The bulging then impedes the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, resulting in motor and sensory problems. Severe disc bulging or herniation requires prompt and careful medical care, especially since it increases the risks of developing a spinal cord injury.

Mild disc bulging or herniation requires conservative treatment such as medications, physical therapy, chiropractic care, brace or collar, as well as rest. However, for severe disc injury, surgery may be recommended to control pain and improve motor and sensory problems. Surgery aims to improve symptoms by relieving the pressure on the spinal nerves and spinal cord.

The most common cause of a whiplash injury is from a rear-end vehicular accident. The forceful, rapid, and sudden backward and forward movement of the neck causes injuries not only to the soft tissues in the neck but the cervical spine as well.  Whiplash injuries resulting in a fractured or misaligned cervical spine can also result in lasting motor and sensory problems.

Mild whiplash and soft tissue neck injuries are treated with painkillers, NSAIDs, neck brace or collar, as well as rest with ice (acute) and hot (chronic) compress. Chiropractic care or physical therapy may also be recommended to maintain or improve the neck’s range of motion and relieve pain.

Surgery is rarely needed for whiplash injuries. However, if the symptoms do not improve or even continue to worsen after eight to ten weeks, then other diagnostic and laboratory tests are usually requested to assess the neck injury. Surgery may then be recommended to repair cervical disc damage.