Human spinal cord health

Main

The spinal cord is essential for relaying signals between the brain and body, making its health crucial for overall well-being and function. It is a long, delicate bundle of nervous tissue that extends from the brainstem down the back, protected by the bony vertebral column. The spinal cord transmits sensory information from the peripheral nerves to the brain and conducts motor commands from the brain to the muscles and glands.

Potential issues with spinal cord health include:

• Traumatic injury from accidents or falls

• Compression from herniated discs or spinal stenosis

• Inflammation from infections or autoimmune disorders

• Degeneration from aging or wear and tear

• Congenital defects like spina bifida

Tips to maintain spinal cord health:

• Practice good posture and body mechanics

• Exercise regularly to keep back and core muscles strong

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the spine

• Eat a nutritious diet with adequate vitamin D and calcium for bone health

• Take breaks from prolonged sitting or standing

Terms

• Spinal cord: The bundle of nervous tissue within the vertebral column that connects the brain to the rest of the body and relays sensory and motor signals

• Vertebral column: The flexible bony structure that surrounds and protects the spinal cord, made up of stacked vertebrae and cushioning discs

• Spinal nerves: Paired nerves that emerge from the spinal cord and branch out to innervate different parts of the body, carrying sensory and motor signals

• Cerebrospinal fluid: The clear, watery fluid that bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord within the central nervous system

Analogy

Just as a tree trunk supports the branches and leaves, the spinal cord is the central support for the body's nervous system. Sensory nerve fibers within the cord are like roots that absorb information from the body and carry it up to the brain. Motor nerve fibers are like branches that reach out to the body's muscles to initiate movement. Damage to the spinal cord is like a broken trunk that disrupts the flow of nutrients and signals, causing the branches and leaves to wither.

Misconception

Many people believe that paralysis from spinal cord injury is always permanent. While it's true that damaged spinal cord nerve fibers cannot regenerate on their own, rehabilitation and assistive devices can help people with paralysis maximize their independence and quality of life. Ongoing research also aims to develop treatments to regrow spinal cord connections and restore lost function.

History

• Ancient Egyptians and Greeks recognized that injury to the spinal cord could cause paralysis and loss of sensation in the body areas below the level of injury

• In the 1700s, the first detailed anatomical descriptions of spinal cord structure were published, and the term "cauda equina" was coined

• In the late 1800s, the lumbar puncture was developed as a way to sample the cerebrospinal fluid bathing the spinal cord, which became an important diagnostic tool

• In the mid-1900s, specialized spinal cord injury units were established to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to paralyzed patients

• In recent decades, research has focused on ways to limit the damage of acute spinal cord injury and potentially regenerate nerve fibers to restore function

How to apply

1. When lifting heavy objects, bend at the knees and hips rather than rounding the lower back. Keep the object close to the body. This engages the legs and core muscles to protect the lumbar spine and spinal cord from strain.

2. If you experience persistent numbness, weakness, or altered sensation in an area of the body, see a doctor promptly. These could be signs of impaired spinal cord function due to compression or inflammation. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent permanent damage.

3. If you witness someone suffer a possible spinal cord injury from an accident or fall, call emergency services immediately. Keep the person still and avoid moving them, as this could worsen the damage. If they are not breathing, begin CPR if you are trained. Wait for medical professionals to immobilize the spine with a neck collar and backboard before transporting them to a hospital.

Facts

• The spinal cord contains over 13 million neurons packed into a structure about 18 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.

• The most common causes of spinal cord injury are vehicle crashes, falls, acts of violence, and sports/recreation accidents. Over 17,000 new injuries occur each year in the U.S.

• Damage to the cervical spinal cord in the neck can cause paralysis of both the arms and legs (quadriplegia), while damage to the thoracic or lumbar cord may paralyze only the legs (paraplegia).

• Spinal cord injuries are either complete, causing total loss of sensation and movement below the level of injury, or incomplete, with some degree of residual function. Over half of injuries are incomplete.

• While damaged spinal cord nerve fibers cannot regenerate on their own, ongoing research aims to develop treatments to regrow these connections and restore function after injury. Promising approaches include stem cell therapies and neural prosthetics.