Spinal Trauma

Spinal Trauma

Trauma refers to an injury caused by a blow to the body. Spinal trauma is usually caused by motor vehicle collisions and falls, often from a great height. It usually produces pain in the back or neck; pain, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg; and paralysis.

Have a query?

Click on the button below

Get in touch

Trauma refers to an injury caused by a blow to the body. Spinal trauma is usually caused by motor vehicle collisions and falls, often from a great height. It usually produces pain in the back or neck; pain, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg; and paralysis. Fractures, dislocations, deformity, or spinal cord injury also occur commonly with spinal trauma. Less common are spinal instability, a structural weakening of the spine, and neurological disability.

<p>Trauma refers to an injury caused by a blow to the body. Spinal trauma is usually caused by motor vehicle collisions and falls, often from a great height. It usually produces pain in the back or neck; pain, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg; and paralysis. Fractures, dislocations, deformity, or spinal cord injury also occur commonly with spinal trauma. Less common are spinal instability, a structural weakening of the spine, and neurological disability.</p>

Risk factors for spinal trauma are high-speed motor vehicle collisions, falls, advanced age, and osteoporosis. As a result, young adults and the elderly are the most frequently affected by spinal trauma. If you already have a spinal tumor or osteoporosis, minor blows to the spine can further weaken your bones.

To prevent spinal trauma, it helps to maintain strong, healthy bones may offer protection and to avoid high-risk behaviors such as speeding, drinking and driving, diving into shallow water, or climbing high ladders. Unfortunately, we cannot always predict or prevent spinal trauma.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Trauma

  • At the IBS Hospital Health System, we give all patients with spinal trauma a thorough physical examination, including all organ systems by a multidisciplinary team of trauma specialists. We may also conduct imaging scans such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our goal is to determine whether you have a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury.
  • We use this information to develop a treatment plan specific to your needs. If you are stable enough for spinal treatment, we will determine whether decompression, fusion, or bracing is appropriate. Decompression involves removing any bone, disc, or a blood clot that is pushing on a nerve or the spinal cord. Fusion includes stabilizing the bones of your spine (vertebrae) that are structurally weak or have too much abnormal motion. Usually, we implant titanium rods and screws into your back. We can do either of these procedures through traditional "open" surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.

Spinal Trauma Rehabilitation

  • Over the past few years, there has been incredible growth in the technologies available to stabilize the spine after trauma. These approaches make it easier to recover and progress to rehabilitation relatively quickly. We at IBS Hospital are proud to offer a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation hospital with a dedicated spinal trauma unit. We tailor rehabilitation programs to help you improve as much, and as quickly, as possible.

Please visit our Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program for more information.

Patient Stories
From Diagnosis to
Recovery

We feel a sense of pride to share the inspiring and uplifting accounts of individuals who have overcome medical challenges with courage, strength, and resilience. These amazing people offer hope to others who may be facing similar health issues.

IBS Hospital’s patient stories highlight the incredible spirit and determination of our patients who refuse to give-up and the unwavering support of their families and caregivers.

View All Stories

There is always time for a second opinion

Schedule an Appointment

Our team of experts that make it possible

Meet the team of highly specialised and experienced neurosurgeons, neurologists, orthopedicians, and other experts in the field of neurology and spine care. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised and compassionate care to each patient, with the goal of helping them achieve the best possible outcomes.

Our Technology: What we use to treat you

Here’s what we use, to give you the best care, from across the globe:

Knowledge Centre

Treatments that can help you win the fight against brain tumours
2023-07-25 08:51:00

Treatments that can help you win the fight against brain tumours

Brain tumours are lumps of abnormal cells and tissues that can develop in any part of the brain, often giving rise to debilitating or even life-threatening symptoms.

Read More
All You Should Know About Spinal Cord Injury
2023-03-13 10:36:08

All You Should Know About Spinal Cord Injury

Read More
Brain Surgery: Indications and Types
2023-03-13 09:13:37

Brain Surgery: Indications and Types

Read More

Sign up for the latest updates from IBS Hospital