There have been constant discussions over how bad posture and long working days can affect our backs. But did you know that there are many more disorders of the spinal cord that could have an impact on your back? This week, The Pioneer’’s SHIKHA dUGGAL brings a detailed analysis of the same.
SHIKHA DUGGAL
You know what? In addition to the various strains that are placed on our backs, there is an even more dangerous inside issue that can harm or even destroy your spine! Health discussions about how bad posture and long workdays can be bad for your back are continuing and constant. That’s when it dawned on us to look more closely at the different kinds of spinal cord disorders to find out more about them and to better understand the treatment plan in this week’s health talk.
Dr. Amrithlal. A. Mascarenhas, Consultant, Spine Surgery at Manipal Hospital, says, “The main neural structure in the spinal canal, which is situated in the middle of the spinal column, is called the spinal cord. The bony portion of the spinal column is made up of discs, ligaments, and the spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord and nerves, in its middle. Many things can happen to the spinal cord or to it from the outside. Intrinsic factors are those that are found within the spinal cord, whereas extrinsic factors are those that are external to the spinal cord yet have an effect on it.”
The spinal cord, the expert says, can be affected by internal pathologies such as autoimmune diseases, spinal tumors, spinal canal cysts, hemorrhage, and infections. Problems with bones, discs, and ligaments applying pressure to the spinal cord are examples of extrinsic factors only influencing the spinal cord. For example, problems may arise from vertebral bones pressing on the spinal cord as a result of fractures.
It may also feel pressured due to conditions like TB or pus in the spinal column. Whether caused by external or internal reasons, the symptoms of spinal cord damage typically show themselves as numbness, tingling sensations, walking difficulties, abnormalities in gait, and excruciating, crippling pain in the lower or upper limbs. “Anterior and posterior segments, as well as an inner and outer portion, comprise the spinal cord. The dura, a sheath, and the nerves themselves are contained in the outer portion. The nerve tracts that flow from the brain to the body’s periphery are responsible for both motor and sensory processes, as well as sensory perception. The sheaths and axons of the nerves are among the sites that may be impacted. Any location along the spinal cord might give rise to tumors,” says the expert on spinal disorders and their intricacies.
There are situations when it seems impossible to truly prevent persistently serious issues. So what can one do in such circumstances? Dr. Santoshi Kurada, the co-founder of Alleviate Pain Clinic, explains in detail, “Although there may be no cure for many spinal cord disorders, good management techniques can greatly enhance quality of life. Rehabilitation is important because it treats motor symptoms with hydrotherapy and occupational therapy, which improve mobility and independence. Furthermore, medical treatments such as spinal cord stimulators can provide pain relief and improve day-to-day functionality. With the help of these approaches, people with permanent spinal cord abnormalities should be able to adapt and thrive in spite of the difficulties they face. They also hope to reduce symptoms, increase functionality, and improve general well-being. In order to maximize results and encourage a happy life, access to all-encompassing care and continuous support are essential.”
Depending on the location of the damage, spinal cord injuries frequently result in particular symptom patterns. Your doctor may be able to pinpoint the specific region of the spinal cord injured by determining whether movements or body functions are impacted. We also have another expert on board, Dr. Tarun Suri, HoD, Spine Surgery, Amrita Hospital, who says, “It is also important to recognize infections in the spine. Common infections affecting the spinal cord are tuberculosis, demyelination disorders (multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, vitamin B12 insufficiency), vascular reasons (AV malformations), traumatic cord injury, and congenital disorders (syrinx, split cord abnormalities). Different parts of the spinal cord, such as the white and gray matter, can also be damaged by various illnesses and cause a range of appearances. Additionally, certain disorders are more likely to develop in particular parts of the spine, such as the dorsal or cervical spine.”
Additionally, it is stated that dysesthetic sensations, bladder-bowel problems, loss of walking control, and weakness and numbness in the limbs and trunk are other common symptoms of spinal cord disorders! Certain types of feelings may be retained in certain circumstances, while others may be lost. For instance, touch may be retained, but pain and temperature are impaired with syringomyelia. Dissociative sensory loss is the term for this. “The type of lesion and length of symptoms also have a major impact on the outcome. Better healing results from early diagnosis, and disorders may be curable. Delays may result in irreversible damage to the spinal cord, leaving the patient severely disabled. Certain conditions, like tumors, compression, and split cord malformations, are treated surgically, while others, like multiple sclerosis, are treated medically by neurologists,” added Dr. Tarun.
You know what? In addition to the various strains that are placed on our backs, there is an even more dangerous inside issue that can harm or even destroy your spine! Health discussions about how bad posture and long workdays can be bad for your back are continuing and constant. That’s when it dawned on us to look more closely at the different kinds of spinal cord disorders to find out more about them and to better understand the treatment plan in this week’s health talk.
Dr. Amrithlal. A. Mascarenhas, Consultant, Spine Surgery at Manipal Hospital, says, “The main neural structure in the spinal canal, which is situated in the middle of the spinal column, is called the spinal cord. The bony portion of the spinal column is made up of discs, ligaments, and the spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord and nerves, in its middle. Many things can happen to the spinal cord or to it from the outside. Intrinsic factors are those that are found within the spinal cord, whereas extrinsic factors are those that are external to the spinal cord yet have an effect on it.”
The spinal cord, the expert says, can be affected by internal pathologies such as autoimmune diseases, spinal tumors, spinal canal cysts, hemorrhage, and infections. Problems with bones, discs, and ligaments applying pressure to the spinal cord are examples of extrinsic factors only influencing the spinal cord. For example, problems may arise from vertebral bones pressing on the spinal cord as a result of fractures.
It may also feel pressured due to conditions like TB or pus in the spinal column. Whether caused by external or internal reasons, the symptoms of spinal cord damage typically show themselves as numbness, tingling sensations, walking difficulties, abnormalities in gait, and excruciating, crippling pain in the lower or upper limbs. “Anterior and posterior segments, as well as an inner and outer portion, comprise the spinal cord. The dura, a sheath, and the nerves themselves are contained in the outer portion. The nerve tracts that flow from the brain to the body’s periphery are responsible for both motor and sensory processes, as well as sensory perception. The sheaths and axons of the nerves are among the sites that may be impacted. Any location along the spinal cord might give rise to tumors,” says the expert on spinal disorders and their intricacies.
There are situations when it seems impossible to truly prevent persistently serious issues. So what can one do in such circumstances? Dr. Santoshi Kurada, the co-founder of Alleviate Pain Clinic, explains in detail, “Although there may be no cure for many spinal cord disorders, good management techniques can greatly enhance quality of life. Rehabilitation is important because it treats motor symptoms with hydrotherapy and occupational therapy, which improve mobility and independence. Furthermore, medical treatments such as spinal cord stimulators can provide pain relief and improve day-to-day functionality. With the help of these approaches, people with permanent spinal cord abnormalities should be able to adapt and thrive in spite of the difficulties they face. They also hope to reduce symptoms, increase functionality, and improve general well-being. In order to maximize results and encourage a happy life, access to all-encompassing care and continuous support are essential.”
Depending on the location of the damage, spinal cord injuries frequently result in particular symptom patterns. Your doctor may be able to pinpoint the specific region of the spinal cord injured by determining whether movements or body functions are impacted. We also have another expert on board, Dr. Tarun Suri, HoD, Spine Surgery, Amrita Hospital, who says, “It is also important to recognize infections in the spine. Common infections affecting the spinal cord are tuberculosis, demyelination disorders (multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, vitamin B12 insufficiency), vascular reasons (AV malformations), traumatic cord injury, and congenital disorders (syrinx, split cord abnormalities). Different parts of the spinal cord, such as the white and gray matter, can also be damaged by various illnesses and cause a range of appearances. Additionally, certain disorders are more likely to develop in particular parts of the spine, such as the dorsal or cervical spine.”
Additionally, it is stated that dysesthetic sensations, bladder-bowel problems, loss of walking control, and weakness and numbness in the limbs and trunk are other common symptoms of spinal cord disorders! Certain types of feelings may be retained in certain circumstances, while others may be lost. For instance, touch may be retained, but pain and temperature are impaired with syringomyelia. Dissociative sensory loss is the term for this. “The type of lesion and length of symptoms also have a major impact on the outcome. Better healing results from early diagnosis, and disorders may be curable. Delays may result in irreversible damage to the spinal cord, leaving the patient severely disabled. Certain conditions, like tumors, compression, and split cord malformations, are treated surgically, while others, like multiple sclerosis, are treated medically by neurologists,” added Dr. Tarun.
