Injuries Due To Spinal Compression

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.