Spinal Cord Risks

Though it’s responsible for our ability to walk upright and use our limbs, the spine is a delicate mechanism. The spinal cord extends from the base of the brain to the waist and houses a bundle of nerves that sends messages back and forth between the brain and the spinal tract. It is surrounded by vertebrae, discs, nerves and muscles. Any damage suffered by the spinal cord—not the vertebrae or muscles—is referred to as a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injury is usually the result of a traumatic accident such as an auto collision or fall.

Risk Factors for Spinal Cord Injury

Every person is vulnerable to a spinal cord injury, but some are more at risk than others. Certain factors may predispose you to an injury, including:

• Aging. The risk of a traumatic fall increases as we age. People over 65 are especially vulnerable
• Being between the ages of 16 and 30. Most spinal cord patients fall into this age group
• Being male. A disproportionate amount of men suffer spinal cord injuries. Men account for about 80 percent of all spinal cord injuries in the U.S.
• Participating in risky behavior. Not wearing proper safety gear, engaging in extreme sports, driving fast or recklessly or participating in any activity that causes you to take chances with injury puts you at greater risk
• Previous injury or disease. If spinal health is compromised by an undetected or untreated injury or illness such as arthritis, even a minor trauma can cause spinal cord injury

We can’t protect ourselves from every possible accident, but fortunately, there are many ways to safeguard against a spinal cord injury. Small actions like wearing a seat belt, wearing recommended safety gear at work or while playing sports, never diving into shallow water and installing grab bars at home can greatly reduce the chances of suffering a traumatic injury.

Please contact us at Eulo Chiropractic Center for more information about the risks and prevention of spinal cord injury.