Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders
Our neurosurgeons treat a variety of spinal cord issues. If you or a loved one needs treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.
Common Spinal Cord Injuries & Disorders Our Neurosurgeons Treat
Spinal cord injuries and disorders can have a profound impact on an individual’s life, affecting mobility, sensation, and overall quality of life. At Apex Spine & Neurosurgery, our board-certified neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of spinal cord injuries and disorders. Understanding these conditions is essential for effective treatment and recovery.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
- Traumatic spinal cord injuries result from sudden, traumatic blows to the spine that fracture, dislocate, crush, or compress one or more of the vertebrae. Common causes include:Motor Vehicle Accidents: The leading cause of spinal cord injuries, often resulting from high-impact collisions.
- Falls: Particularly common among older adults, falls can cause significant spinal damage.
- Sports Injuries: High-impact sports such as football, rugby, and diving can lead to spinal cord injuries.
- Violence: Gunshot wounds and other forms of violence can result in penetrating spinal injuries.
Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Disorders
- Non-traumatic spinal cord disorders are caused by diseases or conditions that affect the spinal cord over time. These include:Degenerative Disc Disease: The gradual deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
- Herniated Discs: Discs that bulge or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, causing pain and nerve compression.
- Spinal Tumors: Abnormal growths within or around the spinal cord that can cause pain, neurological deficits, and other complications.
- Infections: Conditions such as spinal epidural abscesses or osteomyelitis that can lead to inflammation and damage to the spinal cord.
Symptoms
- Symptoms of spinal cord injuries and disorders can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:Pain: Persistent pain in the back, neck, or along the spine.
- Numbness and Tingling: Loss of sensation or tingling in the extremities.
- Weakness: Muscle weakness or paralysis in the arms, legs, or trunk.
- Loss of Coordination: Difficulty with balance and coordination.
- Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Loss of control over bladder and bowel functions.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Changes in sexual function and sensitivity.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- At Apex Spine & Neurosurgery, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess spinal cord injuries and disorders. These may include:MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging to visualize soft tissues, including the spinal cord and nerves.
- CT Scan: Computed tomography to provide detailed images of the bones and spinal structures.
- X-rays: To detect fractures, dislocations, and other bone abnormalities.
- Electromyography (EMG): To assess the electrical activity of muscles and nerves.
- Treatment options vary based on the specific condition and its severity and may include:Medications: To manage pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.
- Physical Therapy: To improve strength, flexibility, and mobility.
- Surgical Interventions: Procedures such as decompression, spinal fusion, and disc replacement to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine.
- Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs to aid in recovery and improve functional outcomes.
Prevention
- While not all spinal cord injuries and disorders can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:Using Proper Safety Equipment: Wearing seat belts, helmets, and other protective gear during activities.
- Maintaining Good Posture: Practicing good posture and ergonomics to reduce strain on the spine.
- Staying Active: Engaging in regular exercise to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine.
- Avoiding High-Risk Activities: Being cautious during activities that pose a high risk of spinal injury.
About Apex Spine & Neurosurgery
At Apex Spine & Neurosurgery, our team of experienced neurosurgeons is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with spinal cord injuries and disorders. With state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary approach, we offer personalized treatment plans to help our patients achieve the best possible outcomes.If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a spinal cord injury or disorder, contact Apex Spine & Neurosurgery today to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.
Patients come from all over Georgia to undergo treatment from our neurosurgeons. We see patients from all around Atlanta from cities like Sandy Springs, Marietta, Vinings, Smryna, Roswell, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Broohaven, Suwanee & Dacula as well as Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Warner Robbins, Savannah, Albany, & Valdosta.
Contact Us
Columbus, GA Location
- (678) 250-0880
- 2000 10th Avenue, Suite 310, Columbus, GA 31901
Bethlehem, GA Location
- (678) 250-0880
- 426 Exchange Boulevard, Suite 500, Bethlehem, GA 30620