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Spine Cord Injury Treatment Pune
Get specialized spinal cord injury treatment in Pune with expert surgeons providing surgical stabilization, therapy, and rehabilitation for mobility recovery.
Overview
A spinal cord injury is a serious medical condition that happens when the spinal cord gets damaged. This damage can cause a person to lose normal movement, feeling, and body functions below where the injury occurred. The spinal cord is like the body’s main highway for messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When this highway gets damaged, those messages can’t get through properly.
When a spinal cord injury happens, there are actually two types of damage:
- Primary injury: This is the immediate damage from the accident or incident
- Secondary injury: This happens in the hours and days after the first injury, when the body’s response can cause additional damage
Symptoms
Spinal cord injury symptoms depend on where the injury happened and how severe it is. The main sign is a sudden loss of movement, feeling, and normal body functions below the injury site.
The location of the injury greatly affects what symptoms a person will have:
High neck injuries (above C3):
- May cause breathing problems
- Very weak or no cough
- Breathing capacity less than 10% of normal
Mid-neck injuries (C3 to C5):
- Problems with the main breathing muscle (diaphragm)
- Breathing capacity between 10% to 30% of normal
- Weak cough
Upper back injuries (above T8):
- Affects chest muscles used for breathing
- Breathing capacity between 30% to 80% of normal
- Weak to normal cough
Lower back injuries (below T8):
- Affects stomach and lower chest muscles
- Breathing capacity 80% to 100% of normal
- Weak to normal cough
The most important thing to understand is that spinal cord injury symptoms include losing normal movement, sensation, and automatic body functions below where the injury occurred.
Causes
Spinal cord injury can happen in two main ways: from accidents (traumatic) or from medical conditions (non-traumatic).
Traumatic causes include:
- Car, motorcycle, or other vehicle accidents
- Falls (especially in older adults)
- Violence, including gunshot wounds
- Sports accidents
- Diving accidents in shallow water
Non-traumatic causes include:
- Tumors
- Infections
- Blood vessel problems
- Birth defects
Most spinal cord injuries happen because of accidents. Understanding these common causes is important for prevention efforts.
Risk Factors
Some factors make a person more likely to have a spinal cord injury:
Activity-related risks:
- Driving or riding in vehicles
- Playing contact sports
- Diving or swimming
- Being in areas with violence
Age-related risks:
- Young adults (16-30 years) have higher risk from sports and vehicle accidents
- Older adults (65+) have higher risk from falls
Diagnosis
Doctors use several methods to diagnose spinal cord injury:
Imaging tests:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the best test for seeing the actual spinal cord damage
- X-rays: Show bone fractures or displacement
- CT scans: Give detailed pictures of bones and some soft tissues
Neurological tests:
- ASIA Impairment Scale: A standardized way to measure how much neurological damage has occurred
- Strength and sensation tests
- Reflex tests
Laboratory tests:
- Blood tests for biomarkers
- Spinal fluid tests when needed
Electrical tests:
- Check how well nerves are working
The ASIA Impairment Scale is particularly important because it helps doctors understand the extent of the injury and predict recovery possibilities.
Types
There are several types of spinal cord injury based on different factors:
By completeness:
- Complete injury: No feeling or movement below the injury site
- Incomplete injury: Some feeling or movement remains below the injury site
By location:
- Cervical (neck): Affects arms, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs
- Thoracic (chest): Affects trunk, legs, and pelvic organs
- Lumbar (lower back): Affects legs and pelvic organs
- Sacral (pelvis): Affects pelvic organs and some leg function
By cause:
- Traumatic: From accidents or violence
- Non-traumatic: From disease or medical conditions
Stages
Spinal cord injury recovery happens in several stages:
Immediate stage:
- The moment the injury occurs
- Emergency care is critical
Acute stage (first few days to weeks):
- Secondary injury processes are active
- Focus on preventing further damage
- Intensive medical care needed
Subacute stage (weeks to months):
- Transition from acute care
- Early rehabilitation begins
- Body starts adapting to changes
Chronic stage (months to years):
- Long-term management
- Ongoing rehabilitation
- Focus on maximizing independence and quality of life
Each stage requires different approaches to spinal cord injury treatment and care.
Treatment
Spinal cord injury treatment starts immediately and continues for years. The approach depends on the stage and severity of the injury.
Emergency treatment:
- Stabilizing the spine
- Ensuring proper breathing
- Managing blood pressure
- Preventing further injury
Medical treatments:
- Medications: While controversial, some doctors may use steroids in the first hours after injury
- Surgery: Emergency surgery to remove pressure from the spinal cord may help in some cases
- Pain management: Various medications for different types of pain
Advanced treatments being researched:
- Stem cell therapy: Using special cells to potentially repair damage
- Electrical stimulation: Using electricity to stimulate the spinal cord
- New medications: Various drugs being tested in clinical trials
- Laser therapy: Low-level laser treatment
- Acupuncture: Traditional needle therapy
The goal of spinal cord injury treatment is to prevent further damage, manage symptoms, and help people regain as much function as possible.
Rehabilitation
Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is one of the most important parts of recovery. It helps people learn new ways to do daily activities and adapt to their changed abilities.
Physical rehabilitation includes:
- Exercise programs: Specially designed workouts to maintain and improve strength
- Functional electrical stimulation: Using electricity to help muscles work
- Aquatic therapy: Exercises in water
- Occupational therapy: Learning new ways to do daily tasks
- Physical therapy: Working on movement and strength
Psychological and social rehabilitation:
- Counseling for emotional adjustment
- Support groups with other people who have similar injuries
- Family education and support
- Community reintegration programs
- Vocational training for returning to work
Advanced rehabilitation techniques:
- Spinal cord injury rehab using robotic devices
- Virtual reality training
- Specialized equipment training
- Home modification planning
Complications
People with spinal cord injury may face various long-term complications:
Physical complications:
- Chronic nerve pain – often difficult to manage
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction – loss of control or coordination
- Muscle spasms – involuntary contractions (spasticity)
- Pressure sores – due to prolonged immobility
- Breathing issues – especially with injuries at the neck or upper spine
- Blood clots – higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism
- Bone loss – leading to increased fracture risk
- Impaired temperature regulation – especially in complete injuries
Mental health complications:
- Depression and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Adjustment disorders – difficulty coping with life changes
Other complications:
- Autonomic dysreflexia – sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure (in higher-level injuries)
- Sexual dysfunction and fertility issues – common but manageable with support
Prevention
Preventing spinal cord injuries involves avoiding the most common causes of injury.
- Always wear seat belts while driving or riding in a vehicle.
- Use proper safety gear (helmets, pads) during sports and recreational activities.
- Prevent falls by installing handrails, using non-slip mats, and keeping walkways clear—especially for older adults.
- Avoid diving into shallow water or unfamiliar pools.
- Practice safe lifting techniques and avoid heavy lifting without support.
- Ensure home and workplace safety with proper ergonomics and hazard-free environments.
- Educate children and teens about safety during physical activities and sports.
- Avoid risky behaviors like reckless driving, driving under the influence, or extreme sports without proper training and equipment.
- Use proper equipment and support when caring for individuals with mobility issues.
Living With Spinal Cord Injury
Living with spinal cord injury means adapting to significant changes in all areas of life. While challenging, many people with spinal cord injury go on to live fulfilling, productive lives.
- Life changes after injury, and daily routines need adjustment.
- You may need a wheelchair or other aids to move around.
- Sometimes, help is needed for daily tasks.
- It’s important to prevent bed sores by changing positions regularly.
- Physical therapy helps improve strength and independence.
- Managing bladder and bowel functions carefully is essential.
- Staying positive and seeking support from family and friends makes a big difference.
- Making your home safe and accessible helps with daily life.
- Staying connected with loved ones prevents isolation.
- Focus on your abilities and keep working toward your goals.
Key Takeaways
Spinal cord injury is a serious condition that affects thousands of people each year, causing loss of movement, sensation, and body functions below the injury site. While the initial injury cannot be reversed, comprehensive spinal cord injury treatment and spinal cord injury rehabilitation can help people regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Understanding spinal cord injury symptoms early and getting prompt medical care is crucial for the best outcomes. There are different types of spinal cord injury, and each requires specialized care from a spinal cord injury specialist doctor. Spinal cord injury rehab is a long-term process that addresses both physical and emotional needs. Prevention remains the best approach, and knowing how to prevent spinal cord injuries through safety measures can save lives.
At Sancheti Hospital, our team of experienced specialists provides comprehensive care for spinal cord injuries, from emergency treatment through long-term rehabilitation. Our spinal cord injury doctors work with patients and families to develop personalized treatment plans that focus on maximizing recovery and helping patients adapt to their new circumstances with dignity and hope.
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, causing loss of movement, feeling, and normal body functions below the injury site. It can result from accidents or medical conditions.
What are the main spinal cord injury symptoms?
The main spinal cord injury symptoms include sudden loss of movement, sensation, and automatic body functions below where the injury occurred. Breathing problems may also occur with higher-level injuries.
What causes spinal cord injuries?
Most spinal cord injuries are caused by vehicle accidents, falls, violence, and sports accidents. Medical conditions like tumors or infections can also cause them.
How is spinal cord injury diagnosed?
Doctors use MRI scans (the most helpful test), X-rays, neurological exams, and the ASIA Impairment Scale to diagnose and classify spinal cord injury.
What are the types of spinal cord injury?
The main types of spinal cord injury are complete (no function below injury) or incomplete (some function remains), and they’re classified by location: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest), lumbar (lower back), or sacral (pelvis).
What does spinal cord injury rehabilitation involve?
Spinal cord injury rehab includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise programs, psychological support, and learning to use adaptive equipment. It’s typically a long-term process involving a team of specialists.
What complications can occur with spinal cord injury?
Common complications include chronic pain, bladder and bowel problems, muscle spasms, pressure sores, blood clots, depression, and anxiety. Regular care from a spinal cord injury specialist doctor helps manage these issues.
What treatments are available for spinal cord injury?
Spinal cord injury treatment includes emergency stabilization, medications, surgery when needed, and comprehensive rehabilitation.
