What Could Result if a Spinal Nerve Is Severely Damaged

Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause for spinal cord injuries, accounting almost half of all cases. Other causes include falls and sports injuries, work-related injuries, violence, such as a knife wound or gunshot wound.

Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults. Because of the increased prevalence of conditions like osteoporosis (degenerative joint disease), and osteoarthritis, older people are at greater risk for serious spinal injuries.

Spinal Injuries: What Are the Symptoms?

People often feel pain in the back or neck when the spine is injured. If there is a fracture, the area around the injury might feel tender to the touch.

Severe damage to a spinal nerve can have a number of serious consequences, depending on the location and extent of the damage. Here are some potential outcomes that could result from severe spinal nerve damage:

1. Loss of Sensation: The damaged nerve may no longer be able to transmit signals between the affected part of the body and the brain, resulting in loss of sensation or feeling in that area.
2. Paralysis: In some cases, severe spinal nerve damage can cause paralysis in the affected limb or body part, as the nerve can no longer send signals to the muscles.
3. Chronic Pain: Nerve damage can cause chronic pain, as the affected nerve may continue to send pain signals to the brain even in the absence of an actual injury.
4. Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction: Damage to the nerves that control bowel and bladder function can lead to incontinence or other dysfunction.
5. Sexual Dysfunction: In some cases, damage to the spinal nerves can also cause sexual dysfunction.

This article was written by a medical professional at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries.

Denny Francis