Did you know that over 1.5 crore people worldwide were living with a spinal cord injury in 2021? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with spinal cord injuries are at risk of developing "debilitating and even life-threatening secondary conditions".
A spinal cord injury occurs when there's damage to the spinal cord, a cylindrical tissue tube running from the brainstem through the spine to the lower back. It can have a significant impact on mobility, particularly in the neck region. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Mohit Muttha, Consultant – Spine Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, explains the connection and shares ways to tackle it.
How Spinal Cord Injury Impacts Movement In The Neck?
According to Dr Muttha, the cervical spine is key for mobility and neurological function, so loss of neck movement can indicate a spinal cord injury.
"If the spinal cord is injured, nerve signals that govern movement and sensation can be interrupted, resulting in stiffness, weakness, or paralysis. This happens due to direct injury, pressure, or inflammation impacting the spinal cord or the structures around it. Depending on its severity and the extent of damage, a major injury can lead to impaired coordination, loss of reflexes, and even systemic dysfunction," he explains.
Symptoms can worsen due to swelling and bleeding in the spinal cord, which may result in long-term complications. It is significant to conduct an early medical evaluation to gauge the severity of the injury and apply suitable management strategies to avert further deterioration.
Understanding Common Causes Of Spinal Cord Injury
Several factors can cause a spinal cord injury, which can in turn lead to loss of movement in the neck.
Trauma from events like car crashes, falls, or sports injuries often harms the cervical spine, resulting in limited movement. Fractures, dislocations, or herniated discs can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, which may restrict movement even more. Non-traumatic factors, such as degenerative conditions like cervical spondylosis, tumours, infections, or inflammatory disorders, can also lead to limited neck mobility.
After spinal cord injury, swelling and haemorrhage might increase pressure on neural structures, worsening the loss of movement. The location and extent of the injury determine how severe the impairment is. To avert complications like lasting paralysis or neurological deficits, prompt evaluation and action are essential.
How To Identify Spinal Cord Injury-Related Movement Loss In The Neck
Distinguishing between a minor strain and a serious spinal cord injury requires careful evaluation of symptoms. Common warning signs include:
- Severe and persistent neck pain that does not improve with rest
- Loss of sensation or tingling in the arms, shoulders, or fingers
- Muscle weakness or paralysis affecting neck and upper body movement
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing, indicating more severe neurological impairment
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, which signals possible spinal cord involvement
If any of these symptoms are present following an injury or without an apparent cause, immediate medical evaluation is essential.
Also Read: Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Symptoms, Challenges And Management
Immediate Steps To Take After A Possible Spinal Cord Injury
If someone experiences sudden neck immobility or a suspected spinal cord injury, the following steps should be taken:
Avoid movement: The injured person should remain as still as possible to prevent further damage.
Call for emergency medical help: Seek immediate medical assistance to ensure proper evaluation and treatment.
Stabilise the neck: If available, use a cervical collar to immobilise the neck and prevent additional strain on the spinal cord.
Do not attempt to reposition the neck: Moving the injured person’s neck forcefully can worsen the injury and cause further neurological complications.
Monitor vital signs: If the person experiences difficulty breathing or loses consciousness, CPR should be administered while keeping the neck stabilised.
Treatment Options
The approach to restoring neck mobility after a spinal injury depends on the severity and type of damage. Treatment options include:
Conservative management: For minor injuries, physical therapy, pain management, and cervical immobilisation using braces can help in recovery.
Medications: Corticosteroids are sometimes used to reduce inflammation and prevent further nerve damage in the early stages of injury.
Surgical intervention: Severe spinal cord compression or instability may require procedures like decompression surgery, spinal fusion, or disc replacement to restore stability and function.
Rehabilitation therapy: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and neurostimulation techniques play a crucial role in improving mobility, strengthening muscles, and enhancing coordination post-injury.
Assistive devices: Braces, neck supports, and adaptive equipment can aid in daily movements and functional recovery.
Conclusion
Spinal cord injuries affecting the neck can be life-altering, making even simple movements difficult. But the good news is that with timely medical care and the right treatment plan, recovery is possible. The key is to recognise the warning signs early, get medical help without delay, and follow a structured rehabilitation plan. Whether it’s you or someone you care about experiencing sudden neck immobility, don’t wait; seek expert advice immediately. Taking action now can make all the difference in restoring movement and preventing long-term complications.