Medication
Acute spinal cord injury can be treated by Methylprednisolone (Medrol). It is a corticosteroid that, if given within eight hours of injury, seems to cause some recovery in people. Methylprednisolone decreases inflammation near the site of injury and reduces damage to nerve cells. Injections of cortisone (a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal gland reduces inflammation in the short term and dissolves scar tissue in the long term) may prove to be beneficial as well. Cortisone has also been shown to reduce pain for long periods of time; up to several years.
Spinal Surgery
Spine surgery used to mean large (or open-back) incisions and long recovery times. Thanks to new technology like laser spinal surgery, small incisions make many patients candidates for minimally invasive spinal surgery. Procedure and recovery time can still vary. For example, lumbar surgeries can take from one to eight hours. An orthopedic surgeon can inform you of the best options for you.
Rest
Rest is key to recovery from any injury. By allowing the body to heal internally and not challenge it externally (by exercising, driving to work or dealing with stress), recovery speed can increase and overall health during the recovery can maintain steady. Some patients are required to not move around at all, while others are asked to keep their activity to a minimum.
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Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation centers are often affiliated with surgical hospitals. Choosing a treatment center is important, especially if the spinal injury requires long-term recovery. Equipment, staffing and the amount of time the patient is able to work on physical therapy are factors in choosing a center.
Traction/Immobilization
Traction and Immobilization are two forms of rehabilitating a spinal injury through the use of machines that either provide pressure to a point on the skull or spine, or that can keep the spine completely still.
Traction is a form of rehabilitation through the application of pressure to certain areas of the spine and skull to realign and correct spinal injuries. Some patients undergo traction while in a rehabilitation center, while others have home machines where they can apply pressure to the advised portion of the skull.
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