The majority of spinal cord injuries result in permanent disability or paralysis below the site of the injury. Even though you may not have sensation below the injury site, it is still possible to experience spinal cord pain in those areas.

What are the types of spinal cord injuries?
There are two types of spinal cord injuries:
  • Partial – this is when the spine is able to communicate some with the brain. Partial spinal
    cord injury sufferers retain some sensation and usually some motor function below the
    site of injury
  • Complete – complete spinal cord injury sufferers have total or near loss of motor
    functions and sensation below the site if injury

What are the causes of spinal cord pain?
Causes of spinal cord pain usually fall into one of the two categories listed below.
  • Traumatic spinal cord injury - includes car accident, fall, sports injury, gunshot
    or knife wound
  • Nontraumatic spinal cord injury – can be caused by diseases such as cancer, arthritis,
    hemorrhage, infection, or disc degeneration

What are the signs and symptoms of spinal cord pain?
Signs and symptoms of spinal cord pain include:
  • Loss of motor functions
  • Loss of pain and temperature sensation
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

How is spinal cord pain diagnosed?
There are tests available to assist in the diagnosis of spinal cord pain. These tests include:
  • X-rays
  • CT Scans (Computerized tomography scan)
  • MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)

What are the spinal cord injury treatment options?
There is currently no treatment available that will reverse damage to the spinal cord. However, some of the ongoing spinal cord injury treatment options include:
  • Rehabilitation or physical therapy
  • Medications

For additional information on spinal cord pain please call Southeast Pain Care to schedule an appointment with one of our pain management doctors.