Preventing and Treating Spinal Cord Injuries in Sports

Introduction -

Spinal cord injuries in athletes are some of the most severe injuries athletes can get. While being an athlete, the body is constantly exposed to various types of stress. Spinal cord injuries are commonly caused due to trauma to the spinal cord. It can cause paralysis in the body or can result in death also. Spinal cord injuries can affect anybody, but they are most common in people between 15 and 30 years old. It involves one side of the body or both sides of the body but can also affect the arms or legs. The symptoms of spinal cord injury include numbness and pain that increases with movement. Spinal cord injuries are most common in athletes who participate in contact sports. Awareness about the symptoms and treatments available is important so that it will make an informed decision about the recovery.

What Is Spinal Cord Injury?

Any injury to the spinal cord, which includes damage to the nerve or vertebra, or bone, is known as spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries are common in athletes who perform in contact sports; however, it also happens in non-contact sports and in those who are not involved in any kind of sports. Spinal cord injury occurs due to any forceful impact during sports or vehicle accidents. It can cause numbness, paresthesia, restrictive movement, and pain. Depending on the degree of damage to the spinal cord, It can result in a permanent restriction to sports and a permanent inability to walk. The spinal cord is full of nerves and present in the back of the neck and attached to the brain. It transmits information between the brain and body, so when it is damaged, Nerve messages cannot get where they are needed most.

What Are the Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

If any athlete is experiencing any kind of neck or back pain, it is important to get it checked by the doctor right away. A few different things can cause spinal cord injuries; some of them are as follows -

Spinal cord injury causes are categorized as traumatic or non-traumatic.

• Traumatic injuries are those that occur from external forces, such as car accidents or sports-related accidents. Injuries during sports are a common cause of spinal cord injury.

• Non-traumatic injuries such as chemical injury, radiation injury, and disc prolapse with cauda equina affect spinal cord tissue.

• The most common cause is a sudden impact or trauma to the spine. This can be from a fall, a hit during a game, or something as simple as a misplaced step.

What Is Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)?

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a medical condition involving compression of the cauda equina (bundle of nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord). CES is considered a medical emergency because the cauda equina can be compressed, leading to significant neurological deficits if not promptly treated. The condition typically occurs due to a herniated disc, tumor, spinal stenosis, infection, trauma, or other spinal abnormalities in the lower back region.

Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome may include:

1. Severe lower back pain.

2. Sciatica (pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down one or both legs).

3. A numbness or tingling in the buttocks, genital area, or inner thighs.

4. Loss of sensation in the saddle area (the area that would come into contact with a saddle if sitting on a horse).

5. Weakness in the legs or difficulty walking.

6. Loss of bowel or bladder control (incontinence).

If a person experiences symptoms consistent with CES, they should seek immediate medical attention.

What Are the Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Types of spinal cord injury are listed below -

1. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury - A person with an incomplete spinal cord injury has lost sensation from the damaged area but will be able to move or feel vibrations in their legs and feet. They may also be able to feel pain from pressure on the injured area.

2. Complete Spinal Cord Injury - A person with a complete spinal cord injury will have lost all the sensations at the level of injury and below that, as well as all sensations in their legs and feet. Loss of all motor and sensory functions. Paraplegia and tetraplegia are seen in this type of injury.

3. Partial Spinal Cord Injury - a person with a partial spinal cord injury will have lost some feeling and movement below the level of injury and some sensation below that level.

What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury?

Awareness about the identification of the symptoms of a spinal cord injury is important that way; anyone can get the help they need as soon as possible. The following is a list of some of the most typical symptoms of spinal cord injuries:

• Numbness.

• Paralysis.

• Weakness in muscles of arms and legs.

• Loss of bladder or bowel control.

• Trouble breathing or speaking.

• Inability to move or walk.

How to Diagnose Spinal Cord Injuries?

The following points help in the diagnosis of spinal cord injuries -

• The Level of the Injury - If it is a lower spinal cord injury, the person might lose feeling or muscle function below the waist. If it is a higher injury, they might lose function in their arms and legs.

• Imaging Test - Doctors will also look for any damage to the spinal cord. Digital imaging scans (MRI and CT) can be used to accomplish this.

• Sometimes doctors need to do a spinal tap to test the cerebrospinal fluid for any sign of damage.

What Is the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury?

Treatment of spinal cord injury depends upon the severity of the injury. Treatment is critical, and it usually begins with emergency care. This might include -

• Immobilizing the spine.

• Administering medication and oxygen.

• Managing the patient's blood pressure and heart rate.

Once the patient is stable, doctors will begin to evaluate the injury. This includes a variety of tests such as MRI, CT scan, or X-Ray. Based on the result, the doctor will then create a treatment plan. This might include -

• Surgery.

• Physical therapy.

• The aim of the treatment includes a reduction in inflammation, promoting healing, and restoring function. Rehabilitation is an important part of the process and can involve a variety of therapies, such as hydrotherapy, massage therapy, and electrical stimulation.

How to Prevent Spinal Cord Injuries in Athletes?

There are a few things that can be done to help prevent spinal cord injuries in athletes -

• Always wear the right gear for the sport playing. That means a helmet for contact sports, a pad for sports like football and hockey, and safety goggles for activities like skateboarding or snowboarding.

• Always stretch and warm up before playing. As a result, muscle strain and other injuries will be less likely.

• And know the limits and not overdo training.

Conclusion

Any athlete can suffer a spinal cord injury, but there are certain sports that pose a higher risk. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury are paralysis, sensation loss, and uncontrolled bladder or bowel control. On experiencing any of these symptoms after an accident during the game, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for the best possible outcome. Athletes who engage in high-risk sports like football, rugby, and hockey are more likely to suffer spinal cord injuries. However, any athlete can be injured and experience paralysis, or loss of sensation. The sooner anyone gets medical help, the better the chances of making a full recovery.