Thousands of people suffer a spinal injury every year. Some of these injuries result in paralysis and permanent damage.
While there are various ways in which you may suffer a spine injury, there is a wide range of impact and severity. Some types of spine injuries are more severe than others.
Read on to learn about the different types of spine injuries and determine what is the worst kind of spine injury.
Let’s get you started!
Incomplete Spine Injury vs Complete Spine Injury
There are two main types of spine injuries; incomplete and complete. An incomplete injury means that the spinal cord is only partially damaged, and there is still some function below the level of the injury. A complete injury means that the cord is completely severed, and there is no function below the level of the injury.
Both types of injuries can be extremely serious, but a complete spine injury is generally considered to be more devastating. This is because it results in complete paralysis below the level of the injury, and the person will never be able to walk again.
An incomplete spine injury still allows for some movement and sensation below the level of the injury, so there is hope for a partial recovery.
Incomplete Spine Injury
n incomplete spine injury refers to any injury in which the spinal cord is not completely severed. This means that there is still some connection between the spinal cord and the brain. Thus, nerve impulses can still be transmitted between the two.
Although incomplete injuries are not as severe as complete injuries, they can still cause significant paralysis and other health problems. Incomplete injuries can be caused by several things, including:
- car accidents
- falls
- sports injuries
Treatment for incomplete spine injuries typically involves physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Complete Spine Injury
A complete spine injury is an injury to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function below the level of the injury. This means that a person with a complete spine injury will have no feeling or movement in the parts of their body below the level of the injury.
A complete injury results in a total loss of function below the level of injury and may need a spine surgeon for proper treatment and care. Tetraplegia is paralysis of all four limbs and the trunk below the level of injury.
Paraplegia is paralysis of the lower limbs and trunk below the level of injury. Triplegia is the paralysis of three limbs below the level of injury.
It’s Important to Understand What a Spine Injury Is
A spine injury can have a wide range of effects, from paralysis to chronic pain. It is important to understand what a spine injury is to ensure proper treatment and rehabilitation. If you or someone you know has suffered a spine injury, seek medical help immediately.
For more reads aside from these types of spine injuries and spine injury causes, feel free to check out our blog section.
