Unfortunately, most spinal cord injuries result in lifelong disability. Continued research, development of newer therapies and treatment techniques do offer hope. In 1995, Christopher Reeve fell from a horse and suffered a spinal cord injury. His subsequent advocacy efforts resulted in increased focus by researchers and others to help improve the lives of individuals with similar injuries.
History
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, approximately 10,000 Americans suffer spinal cord injuries each year due to accidents and acts of violence. There are more than 200,000 individuals in the United States living every day with extensive disabilities due to this type of injury.
Significance
Spinal cord injury is most prevalent in individuals in their early 20s. A small percentage of injuries occur in the elderly population due to falls. The cost per year of caring for an individual with spinal cord injury is more than $250,000, which does not include the emotional toll on the injured and their loved ones. The cost to the country to care for and support people with spinal cord injuries and disability is significantly more than $10 billion per year, based on the increasing cost of medical care.
Considerations
If you or a loved one suffer a spinal cord injury, your disability is based on the severity of the injury and the location of the nerve damage in your spine. Since damaged nerves can not function properly, the result is often paralysis of your muscles. Some nerve regeneration takes place up to six months post-injury, but after that period of time, resultant loss changes little. Unfortunately, complications are often encountered after injury based on an inability to walk. These can include pressure sores, lung infection and a life-threatening condition called autonomic dysreflexia.
Stretch Reflex
Stretch reflexes are abnormal reflexes that work to increase muscle resistance to passive motion. They are frequent complications of spinal cord injury and contribute to muscle spasticity or continuous spasm. It is believed that the damaged nerves send messages via neurotransmitters that are carried by serotonin and norepinephrine. Following spinal cord injury, there is a change in the balance of neurotransmitters that may cause the increased stretch reflex intensity.
Treatment
Rehabilitation following spinal cord injury focuses on helping an individual make the most of his abilities and gaining function in damaged areas. Physical therapists will work with your muscles and limbs and move them passively. Passive motion is initiated by your therapist as she moves your arm or leg. Active movement occurs when you are able to move your limbs without help. The abnormal stretch reflex makes physical therapy and rehabilitation more challenging because your muscles can be so rigid that the therapist is not able to help move your limbs.
There are medications available to help reduce the abnormal stretch reflex. A study published in "Brain," titled Influences of Muscle Stretch Reflexes on Voluntary, Velocity-Controlled Movements in Spastic Paraparesis, indicated that use of anti-spasmodic medications did increase muscle strength and reduce paresis or the inability to move your muscles. Once your stretch reflex is modulated, your physical therapist will be able to help you exercise and focus on rehabilitation. Talk with your doctor to determine which medication is right for you.
