Your spine supports your head and the entire upper torso. It’s also the channel that houses the spinal cord, which is the part of your central nervous system that connects your brain to the rest of your body – and which can cause severe disability if damaged.
Spine-related conditions and injuries can make it very hard or impossible to perform everyday tasks and normal movements. Let’s go over the most critical spine conditions, and where you can go in Colorado for world-class spine care and treatment for back pain.
What Can a Spinal Cord Injury Cause?
The spinal cord has many nerves that carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body. This vital structure is protected by layers of tissue and strong vertebrae. However, a forceful trauma from a car accident or a fall can result in a spinal cord injury.
Depending on the location on the spine and the severity of the injury, this type of injury can severely impact certain bodily functions – such as the following:
- Mobility of the legs and/or arms (paralysis)
- Bowel and bladder control
- Problems with sensation
- Circulatory issues
- Respiratory problems
- Weight loss and muscle atrophy
- Sexual dysfunction
If you sustain trauma to the head, neck, or back, visit a spine doctor right away. Some cases of spinal injuries may not be immediately noticeable until it is too late. Time is of the essence in treating a spinal cord injury, so take advantage of that small window of opportunity by receiving immediate medical care.
Debilitating Results of a Spinal Fracture
A spinal fracture occurs when one or more vertebrae break due to an accident or trauma. Falls and car accidents are common causes of spinal fractures. Osteoporosis, a disease where the bones become weak, can also increase the risk of fractures in the spine.
Minor cases of spinal fractures can be treated with immobilization of the back. Your doctor may advise you to wear a brace for up to 12 weeks in order to give the spine time to heal. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are two popular surgical procedures for treating hairline spinal fractures. However, severe cases may require surgical repair.
Treatment for Spine Injury in Colorado
If you’re struggling with persistent neck and back pain, or if you are an athlete who wants to keep your back strong and able to withstand injury, visit the spine doctors at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery. Our highly skilled spinal surgeons can perform a comprehensive assessment of your condition and craft a treatment plan. We offer non-surgical and surgical treatments for neck or back pain relief.
We take pride in using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to perform minimally invasive spinal surgery. Our medical team will help you get back on the path to good health.
To schedule an appointment with an outstanding back doctor, call us today at (303) 790-1800 or fill out our online appointment request form. We have four locations in Colorado: Lone Tree, Parker, Colorado Springs, and Aurora. We look forward to taking good care of your spine!
