The 411 On Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries
Posted on: 29 May 2019
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Your spine is an imperative part of your daily life. Not only does it allow you to walk, run, and move, but it is also necessary for sitting and standing upright. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries do occur, reducing the spine's ability to function in an effective and pain-free manner. While surprising to learn, certain injuries affect certain parts of the spine. For example, sacral spine injuries are injuries that affect the lower sections of vertebrae. With this guide, you will understand and learn how to treat sacral spinal cord injuries.
The 411 on Sacral Region of the Spinal Cord
Before you can understand these injuries, you need to understand what the sacral part of the spine consists of. Like mentioned earlier, the sacral area consists of the lower vertebral bones.
Represented by the symbols S1 to S5, the sacral vertebral bones are fused together to form the sacrum, which is an essential part of the spine and body's function.
Each numbered sacral vertebra controls a specific nerve function.
For example, the nerves connected to the S1 vertebrae affect the groin and hips. Nerves connected to the other vertebra may affect the bladder, bowels, sex organs, backs of the thighs, and buttock area.
Symptoms of Sacral Spine Injuries
Most people will know if they have suffered a spine injury. However, you may not realize how the injury will affect your physical and emotional health and wellness.
The symptoms you experience will depend on the specific vertebrae and nerve that was damaged and the severity of the injury.
Lower back pain, which may stem from the mid to lower section of the spine to the upper portion of the buttocks, is most common if you have suffered a sacral spine injury. This pain can decrease your ability to walk, sit, stand, and complete basic daily activities.
Leg pain is also common in patients who have injured their sacral spine. The pain may have started at the top of the legs, but radiates down through the entire leg.
Loss of bladder and bowel control is also a symptom of a sacral injury.
Common Sacral Spinal Injuries
Even though they are less common than injuries to other areas of the spinal cord, the sacral region of the spine may be damaged. Injuries to the region may affect the actual vertebrae or the nerves, which will both require treatment.
Examples of sacral spine injuries include automobile accidents, falls, sport's injuries, or assault. Certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, could also cause damage to the sacral region of the spine.
If you have experienced a sacral spine injury, help is available. Surgery to repair or replace damaged vertebrae and physical therapy can be effective for many patients.
Contact a business like Florida Pain Center to learn more.