Spinal cord injuries or SCIβs donβt just happen from intense force/high-energy trauma like hard falls or auto accidents. Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries are more common. However, traumatic spinal cord injuries tend to get the most attention. This can cause problems as it can delay treatment for individuals with a non-traumatic injury. Awareness is vital because spinal cord disorders tend to not get recognized for their impact on overall health.
Table of Contents
Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries is an umbrella term that includes several disorders, like:
Understanding these disorders helps determine a correct diagnosis. Degenerative cervical myelopathy or DCM is the most common form of a non-traumatic spinal cord injury. It is a slow progressive injury that causes continued compression usually brought on by spondylosis or osteoarthritis of the spineβs joints. DCM can have a devastating effect on the quality of life if not diagnosed and treated as it can have a ripple effect by raising the risk of falls, leading to a traumatic spinal cord injury. Being aware can help in preventing the damage.
Other causes for non-traumatic spinal cord injury include:
One of the most significant risk factors is age. This is due to an increased risk of conditions like osteoarthritis and hypertension as individuals get older, which is why individuals with a non-traumatic spinal cord injury are, on average, older than individuals that suffer a traumatic spinal cord injury. Weakness, instability, and loss of muscle control are common complications that can develop as the non-traumatic spinal cord injury progresses. Other complications that can present include:
With a traumatic spinal cord injury, treatment depends on the severity of the injury. With non-traumatic spinal cord injuries, treatment depends on what type of condition is involved. The primary treatment for non-traumatic spinal cord injuries typically involves various forms of rehabilitation to minimize further damage to the spinal cord. Surgery may be necessary if the spine needs to be decompressed.
Badhiwala, Jetan H et al. βDegenerative cervical myelopathy β update and future directions.β Nature reviews. Neurology vol. 16,2 (2020): 108-124. doi:10.1038/s41582-019-0303-0
Handbook of Clinical Neurology (2012) βSpinal Cord Injury.β www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/non-traumatic-spinal-cord-injury
Milligan, James et al. βDegenerative cervical myelopathy: Diagnosis and management in primary care.β Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien vol. 65,9 (2019): 619-624.
Physical Management in Neurological Rehabilitation (2004) βSpinal cord injury.β www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/non-traumatic-spinal-cord-injury
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The information herein on "Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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