Spinal Cord Disorders Treatment in Delhi, India

The spinal cord is a structure that connects the brain to different body organs. It extends from the brain base. The spinal cord is protected by the spinal column and backbone. The spine (spinal column) consists of 26 vertebrae also called bones. The spine protects the nerves and the spinal cord running through it. The spine extends from the backside of the neck to the lower back. The bones are separated and cushioned by cartilage. The spine consists of the following four parts:

• Cervical - Region containing neck
• Thoracic - Region containing the chest
• Lumbar - Region containing lower back
• Sacral - Region containing pelvis and tailbone

The vertebrae are numbered from the top to make identification easier. Spinal cord disorder is a condition resulting from deformities or injury in the spinal cord. This damage to the spinal cord can cause a lack of proper communication from the brain to the particular part of the body. The spinal cord disorder can result from an injury or disease.

Associated Anatomy of Spinal Cord Disorders

The spinal cord runs from the back of the neck to the lower back of the body.

Alternate Name of Spinal Cord Disorders

The other names for spinal cord disorder are myelopathy, spondylosis, and stenosis, spondylethesis.

Spinal Cord Disorders Causes

Disorders of the spinal cord may be from outside the cord or very rarely from inside the cord. Outside the spinal cord:

• Injury to the spine
• Disease like arthritis
• Decreased or blocked blood supply to the spinal cord
• Spinal cord compression - This condition can happen when there is spinal stenosis, pus formation, cervical spondylosis, cancer growth, ruptured disk, or a fracture.

Inside the spinal cord:

• Blocked or decreased blood supply
• Cavity formation and fluid filling inside (Syrinx)
• Inflammation
• Pus formation, tumour
• Bleeding
• Deficiency of B12, copper
• Diseases like syphilis, HIV, multiple sclerosis
• Radiation therapy

Spinal Cord Disorders Symptoms

• Reflex action delay or changes
• Loss of sensation on the affected portion of the spinal cord and associated organs
• Paralysis
• Muscle spasms
• Severe back pain
• Loss of control over bowel and urinary tract

Spinal Cord Disorders Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose spinal cord disorder by inquiring about the patient’s medical history, signs, symptoms, and a physical examination, followed by diagnostic imaging tests.

Physical examination

The doctor checks which area of the spinal cord is damaged by checking the movement of different organs and checks for the response.

Neurological examination

The doctor checks the nerve for any disorder or injury.

Imaging may be done to conclude whether it is due to spinal cord disorder or any other problem.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

This scan can identify injury to ligaments, nerves, muscles, tendons, and the spinal cord.

Computed tomography (CT) scan

It provides a 3-D image of the affected site that helps evaluate spinal cord disorder.

X-ray

Fractures, other injuries, and disorders can be detected using this technique.

Electromyography (EMG)

Electrical activity is used to detect which part of the spinal cord is affected.

Biopsy

Biopsy is done to detect if there is cancer in the spinal cord.

Spinal Cord Disorders Treatment

The person with spinal cord disorder has to undergo treatment. If untreated, the organ connected to that particular spinal cord may get paralysed. The treatment for spinal cord disorder usually depends on the patient’s overall health condition and includes factors, such as age, area affected, and the cause and severity of the disorder.

• In the case of cancer/tumour, it can be treated using radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and radiosurgery.
• Using procedures like replacement of discs, opening the spinal canal, connecting the vertebrae, or repairing the impaired nerves
• Bracing the back
• Medication or injection for relieving pain, muscle relaxation, e.g., Corticosteroid injection, anti-inflammatory medication, and anticoagulants
• Using heat or ice to relieve the pain
• Rehabilitation using physical therapy and occupational therapy or counselling.

Risk Factors of Spinal Cord Disorders

Some factors can increase the risk of spinal cord disorder. They are:

• Lifestyle and poor nutrition
• Obesity
• Conditions like thyroid disease, arthritis, etc.
• Improper weight lifting and other exercises
• Poor sitting or standing posture.

Spinal Cord Disorders Preventions

Some of the following measures may help lessen the risk of developing spinal cord disorder:

• Wear seat belts while driving and ensure installing child safety in the vehicle.
• Avoid driving while you have taken drugs or alcohol.
• Avoid attending calls while driving.
• Ensure to keep the floors dry while you walk to avoid getting injured by falling.
• Avoid lifting or moving a person who has got spinal cord injury.

Epidemiology of Spinal Cord Disorders

The estimated incidence of spinal cord disorder is high in men compared to women. It is highly prevalent in elderly people, particularly in the age group of 30-60.

Expected Prognosis of Spinal Cord Disorders

Fortunately, recent advancements in diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and medication have drastically reduced the number of new cases of spinal cord disorder and its associated complications.

Natural Progression of Spinal Cord Disorders

Spinal cord disorder doesn’t spread to other organs of the body. With time, it causes severe and invasive pain. The patient has to get medical treatment; if not, it may lead to paralysis.

Pathophysiology of Spinal Cord Disorders

Spinal cord disorder is characterised by the disease or disorder of the spinal cord mostly resulting from trauma or injury.

Complications of Spinal Cord Disorders

The possible complications of advanced spinal cord disorder are as follows:

• Persistent pain
• Inability to move and the person may become bedridden
• Loss of control over bladder and bowel movement
• Inability to regulate heart rate, lung function, and blood pressure
• Inability to regulate or tolerate shifts in body temperature
• Broken bone or arthritis
• Paralysis