Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : September 10, 2024 9:40 AM IST
Medically Verified By:
The severity and impact of an SCI can depend on the location, completeness, and severity of the injury. (Photo: Freepik)
Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury (SCI) happens when the spinal cord is damaged. It can disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Common causes of SCI include trauma (car and bike accidents, falls, sports injuries); violence (gunshot wounds, assault); infections (meningitis, abscesses); diseases (spinal cord tumors, multiple sclerosis); congenital conditions. When a person's spinal cord is affected, it can result in various physical and emotional changes in their body, such as: loss of sensation, strength, and mobility; paralysis (partial or complete); numbness, tingling, or pain; difficulty with bladder and bowel control; respiratory problems; emotional changes (depression, anxiety), etc.
The need of the hour, therefore, is to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries and their prevention, allowing patients the chance to resume a regular and dignified life despite their life-altering injury, and making the society become more inclusive when it comes to giving opportunities to people with disabilities.
With that in mind, over 100 wheelchair-bound people participated in a cultural and sports programme held over the weekend at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Auditorium in Delhi. Organised under the aegis of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, the event highlighted the importance of SCI awareness and the need for comprehensive care and rehabilitation.
In the days leading up to the event, spine-care experts, along with 14 national spine-care societies from across the country engaged in various activities, including outdoor sports, cultural programmes, seminars, webinars, and panel discussions to foster awareness and support for individuals affected by injuries.
Held in the backdrop of Spinal Cord Injury Day -- and marking the conclusion of the fourth edition of National Injury Prevention Week (September 1-7) -- the programme was graced by the presence of 'official coordinator' for Injury Prevention Week, Dr Harvinder Singh Chhabra, chief of the spine and rehabilitation centre at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.
Dr Chhabra, who is also the president of the Spinal Cord Society and chairman of the Spine Wellness & Care Foundation, told TheHealthsite.com that the spine is one of the most important parts of the body, and when it does not work optimally, it can lead to problems with movement, senses, bowel and bladder control, intimacy, cardiac functions, blood pressure, respiration, etc., in the body.
"All of these functions are mediated by the spinal cord, and if it is affected, it can be disastrous for the body. That is why it is said to be one of the most devastating ailments to affect humankind," the doctor said. He added that there are thousands of spinal cord injuries reported in the country every year, and besides impacting the individual, such injuries also affect the well-being of families and caregivers.
Dr Chhabra warned that there are many traumatic spinal cord injury cases seen in India, which can be prevented. "...such as falling while working on an electricity pole, having a piece of clothing stuck in the motorcycle wheel, falling while chasing kites, etc."
According to the doctor, while life does change after such injuries, it depends on how patients accept it. "If they accept it, a patient can continue to lead a near-normal life even from a wheelchair. If, however, it is a complete injury (all the cells near the site are injured) it becomes a challenge for us as doctors, because spinal cord cells do not regenerate."
It should be noted that the severity and impact of an SCI can depend on the location, completeness, and severity of the injury. Treatment and rehabilitation can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote independence.
