Preventing Spinal Cord Injuries: Safety Tips For Everyday Life

by Mr Jwalant S Mehta//spinal cord injuries

Spinal Cord Injuries can have a devastating, life-altering impact on an individual’s life, which may lead to chronic pain, long-term disability and a decrease in the quality of life. These Injuries go beyond the physical but affect an individual’s emotional, financial and mental state of being.Modern medicine has taken great leaps in treatment. While some Injuries are unavoidable, prevention is the word of the day, and many Spinal Injuries can be avoided if safety precautions are put in place to reduce the risk of injury and protect the spine.In this article, the focus is on the causes of trauma spinal cord injuries, the importance of preventing spinal injuries and practical tips to protect your spinal health with professional advice.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

The Spinal Cord is an important part of the nervous system that carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When the Spinal cord receives damage, the consequences can be debilitating and devastating, which can lead to temporary inability to function or permanent paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can happen without warning and can be as a result of various factors, which will be listed below:

Falls: This is a major cause of spinal cord injuries, especially in older adults. It could result from not being aware of the surroundings, slippery floors, objects on the path and uneven flooring.

Workplace Accident: This commonly occurs in factories, workshops and building sites. It can result from improper use of tools or machines or inadequate safety protocols.

Motor Accidents: This is mainly caused by car accidents but can also be caused by other forms of transportation, such as motorcycles.

Sport Injuries: Contact and rough sports can lead to damage and trauma of the spinal cord.

Prevention Tips Against Spinal Cord Damage:

Spinal cord damage can happen at any place and anytime, mostly due to certain factors such as workplace accidents and even sports injuries. It is extremely crucial to ensure the prevention of spinal cord injury, and here are some ways you can protect your spine:

  • Wear protective gear when working or commuting, such as non-slip boots, helmets, and seat belts.
  • Use proper form when lifting heavy objects and ensure the use of supportive devices to reduce strain.
  • Be mindful of the surrounding areas and surfaces, such as wet floors or obstacles on the path.
  • Always perform warm-up exercises to prepare the muscles.
  • Install safety gates around staircases.
  • Secure heavy furniture and devices to prevent tip-over accidents.
  • Maintain good posture.
  • Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and ensure all pathways are free of clutter
  • Install handrails for extra support in bathrooms and on the staircase.

Spinal Injury: What to do

If someone around you has suffered from a spinal injury, you must follow the following emergency steps:

  • Ensure that the injured person is not moved from the position, which can aggravate the injury.
  • It is important to keep the injured person still.
  • Immediately call emergency services for a quick medical response.

With the improvement of medical science, there are options for Spinal cord injury treatment that the hospital team of medical professionals would recommend. It is important to find an experienced orthopaedic spine specialist surgeon to provide treatment and care for spinal injuries.

Conclusion

Spinal cord injuries have a devastating effect on individuals, but with the right tips and guidance, they can be prevented and reduce the risk you and your loved ones may face. It is crucial to seek out an orthopaedic surgeon spine specialist in UK, like Mehta Spine, should any issue occur involving back pain or spinal health.