Top risk factors for spinal injuries

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Introduction

• Spinal cord injuries can happen to anyone. It is
  mostly seen among people who belong to 18-35 year
  age group. This happens due to accidents or
  falls. Athletes, gymnasts etc also have a high
  risk of spinal injuries. The space within the
  spine can narrow which puts pressure on the
  nerves that travel through the spine. This
  condition is called spinal stenosis and it can
  affect the lower back and the neck. While in some
  symptoms may not be visible while others
  experience numbness, tingling or weakness in the
  muscles.

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Types of spinal stenosis

• Cervical Stenosis In this type, the narrowing
  occurs in the spinal area of your neck. Symptoms
  include numbness in arm, leg or foot, feeling
  weak, problems with balancing and walking, neck
  pain and bladder or digestive dysfunction
• Lumbar Stenosis In this type, the narrowing
  occurs in the spinal area of your lower back.
  Symptoms include tingling or numbness in leg,
  weakness in leg, pain or cramping on foot and
  back pain

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Causes of spinal stenosis

• Overgrowth of bone Osteoarthritis can lead to
  wear and tear of bones. This forms bone spurs,
  which may grow into the spinal canal. Pagets
  disease can also cause bone overgrowth in spinal
  area.
•  Herniated disks The soft cushions between the
  vertebrae may dry out as you age. Cracks in the
  exterior part of the disk may press on to the
  spinal cord and nerves.
• Thickened ligaments The cords which hold the
  spinal bone may become stiff and thicken as you
  age. The thickened ligaments bulge into the
  spinal canal.

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• Tumors There are chances for abnormal growth or
  tumor inside spinal cord. It can even cover the
  space between the spinal cord and the vertebrae.
  This can only be identified through spine imaging
  using CT or an MRI scan.
• People above 50 have risks of spinal stenosis.
  Degenerative diseases may trigger spinal stenosis
  in younger people. It may include congenital
  spinal deformity, trauma or even a genetic
  disease. Spinal imaging can help in identifying
  the exact cause of the disease.

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Complications

• Spinal stenosis, if left untreated, may lead to
  many complications such as
• Balance problems
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Paralysis

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Risk Factors

• This issue affects disproportionate men rather
  than women
• A minor injury, if left untreated can lead to
  this condition
• If the person has a bone or joint disorder, there
  is high risk of spinal cord injuries
• Engaging in risky behavior like jumping from
  heights, diving in shallow water etc can increase
  the risk
• When a person is above 65, there is a risk of
  falls, which may cause spinal stenosis
• Careless driving, may lead to accidents and can
  cause spinal stenosis

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Conclusion

• If you are diagnosed with spinal cord injury,
  seek professional help and restrain yourself from
  doing certain activities. Also, follow the
  instructions provided by your health care
  professional and go for follow ups during regular
  intervals to stay healthy.

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