Spinal Compression Injuries
The spinal cord is a very important organ in a human's body. This is the organ that help's your brain to communicate with other parts of your body. There are more than 30 pairs of nerves that go to your legs, chest, arms, and abdomen. Through these nerves, the brain is able to send impulses to these parts of your body and also receive impulses.
CAUSES OF LONG-TERM SPINAL COMPRESSION
Spinal
compression injury is a health defect that is usually caused by
long-term spinal compression. There are a number of known reasons as to
why spinal compression can happen. These include:
1. Degenerative diseases. An example of these degenerative diseases is Arthritis.
2. Presence of a ruptured disc.
3. Large clots that are as a result of bleeding disorders.
4. Narrowing of the spinal canal due to bone spurs.
5. The growth of Tumors, either noncancerous or cancerous in the space near the spinal cord.
6.
Presence of injury in the area that harbors the spinal cord which may
lead to swelling. These swells may compress your spinal cord.
7. Certain Jobs
There are a number of high-risk jobs that can cause long-term spinal compression. These jobs are as listed below:
i) Construction workers.
ii) Warehouse workers.
iii) Gardeners and Landscapers
iv) Cab and bus drivers.
v) Plumbers, Carpenters, and Electricians.
vi) Dry cleaners.
vii) Mechanics.
viii) Janitors.
ix) Farmers.
x) Police and firefighters.
The
reasons which make these jobs high risk include awkward postures,
having to bend and twist, heavy lifting, and also static work postures.
HEALTH PROBLEMS ARISING FROM SPINAL INJURY
Spinal compression injuries can result in a number of health problems. These problems include:
1.
Quadriplegia - This is the paralysis of all your limbs. That is, both
your legs and arms lose their ability to move. This health defect is
also referred to as tetraplegia. This usually happens when compression
causes damage to the upper part of your spinal cord, especially around
the neck area.
2. Paraplegia - This is a
condition that is characterized by the paralysis of both of your legs.
Your arms don't get paralyzed in this case. Paraplegia usually happens
when your spinal cord gets damaged in the lower part.
3. You may lose control over your bladder and bowel. This is a quite irritating health defect.
4. Some people may experience spasms or what is also referred to as exaggerated reflex activities.
5. You may experience difficulties in coughing and breathing.
6. Intense stinging or pain may occur due to the damage done to your nerves in the spinal cord.
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION
One
method that can help people to avoid dealing with health problems that
arise from spinal compression is spinal decompression. This is a therapy
that is applied to your spine. It usually involves the stretching of
your spine through the use of a traction table or motorized device very
similar to the traction table. On top of this therapy which is
considered to be nonsurgical, there are other methods of decompression
that involve surgery. Examples of these surgical methods include
microdiscectomy and laminectomy.
CONCLUSION
Spinal
compression is a serious health problem that cannot be ignored. This
has already been proven in the article. Ignoring this problem can only
lead to serious health issues. It is important to consider getting this
problem solved immediately through methods that have been proven to work
such as spinal decompression.