Spinal Cord Injury: Treatment and Rehabilitation

Treatment of a spinal cord injury starts at the place of the accident. It continues in the emergency room (ER). The injured person will then be admitted to the hospital. Or they will be moved to a spinal cord injury treatment center. 

Treatment

First the injury is stabilized. This is done with surgery, bracing, or both. These procedures can be vital in treating spinal cord injury:

• Relief of pressure on the spine. This is done using surgery or traction. Traction is a mechanical system of weights.

• Treatment to stabilize the spine. Screws, metal plates, and other devices may be placed during surgery. In some cases, traction or a brace may be used instead.

Rehabilitation

After the injury is stable, supportive care and rehabilitation (rehab) are the goals. Supportive care helps prevent other health problems. Health problems may include skin sores. Rehab supports a person’s emotional and physical recovery. A few members of the rehab team include:

• Physical therapy (PT). This supports strength and movement in muscles and joints. It may help some people with spinal cord injury regain some function.

• Occupational therapy (OT). This helps people regain their ability to take care of themselves. It involves feeding, dressing, and bathing.

• Counseling. Spinal cord injury can have lifelong (permanent) effects. Counseling helps the injured person and their family cope and adjust.

  Physical therapy can help with rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury.

Outlook for the future

It was once believed that damaged nerve cells couldn’t be repaired. But recent studies show this may not be true. Now, scientists are searching for ways to regrow injured nerves. The outlook for people with spinal cord injury is better today than ever before.