Spinal Cord Injury & Pain Management

The spinal cord is a group of nerves that carries signals to and from the brain. These signals control body movements and physical sensations. The spinal cord spreads from the brain to the lower back and is protected by the vertebrae. There are times when the vertebrae cannot protect the spinal cord, and injury occurs. Spinal cord damage may be a result of direct or indirect trauma. The injury can occur from a fall, an accident, an infection, or disease.

When a person sustains injury to the spinal cord, different areas of the body can be affected. The damage may cause a loss of sensation or function beyond the injured area, or it may affect only the location of trauma. The amount of discomfort experienced after a spinal cord injury depends on the level of damage that is done. Some people may only deal with mild discomfort that lessens as time progresses. Others may experience chronic pain that has built up over a period of time. Chronic pain may not begin until weeks or months after the injury occurs. Those suffering from spinal cord injury may feel tinges and aches in areas of the body that were not otherwise affected by the injury.

The type of treatment used for spinal cord injury pain can vary from person to person. Because each person may interpret the same discomfort differently, doctors may prescribe treatment according to the type of trauma that was sustained. Neuropathy is caused by damage to the nervous system. This type of pain may require treatment through anti-depressant medications like amitriptyline or nortriptyline. Some medications like gabapentin or opium derivatives have been successful in targeting nerve trauma. Other options for treatment may include a spinal cord stimulator or an epidural block. Some temporary treatments can also be used, such as the implantation of a morphine pump, so the individual can control the amount of medication he or she receives. Discomfort that is caused by muscle spasms may be treated with medications like valium or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These muscle relaxants target specific areas of discomfort.

There are other options for relieving pain due to spinal cord injury that are complementary to prescribed medications. Some people have found relief from all-inclusive healing such as meditation, exercise, and stress reduction strategies. Many times, a holistic approach can be very successful. Learning to calm the mind by reducing stress-related activities and thoughts can boost the effectiveness of pain medications. Exercising can strengthen the entire body and loosen any areas that have become temporarily immobile due to the trauma. For specific aches, deep massage can also provide relief.

In addition to medication and holistic approaches, techniques such as psychotherapy and hypnosis may alleviate some of the soreness. Since spinal cord injuries affect the nervous system, these methods are used to change the way the individual perceives injury. Many people also believe acupuncture can be used as a treatment for discomfort caused by spinal cord injury. Acupuncture is thought to be an effective healing technique for the relief of any physical discomfort.

There are several things that can be done on a day-to-day basis for those suffering from spinal cord injury pain. Eating a wholesome diet and maintaining an appropriate weight will each have positive effects on the overall health of the body. Exercising and attending rehabilitation classes will strengthen the muscles and keep them flexible and mobile. Distraction techniques can also be effective in relieving some of the pain. Pain generally increases during periods of inactivity, because the individual focuses on nothing else. Distraction strategies should be used just before bedtime or during daytime rest periods. These techniques can include releasing the mind of any pain-related thoughts by replacing them with cheerful ones or participating in diversion activities like reading or writing.

Sometimes the best treatment is to modify certain activities that increase the pain. Keeping track of when the pain begins and ends can help a person decide when to take rest periods. It is also helpful in determining which activities are more harmful than others. Pain can increase or decrease with a change in weather,diet, sleep patterns, and emotional conditions. Keeping a journal of when the pain occurs can help in the treatment.

While there may be no cure for the pain associated with spinal cord injuries, there are methods that can reduce or mask the discomfort. Trying several different approaches and combining techniques is an important part of the healing process.

Sources:

• http://www.spinalcord.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=41119
• http://www.spinal-cord.org/coping-with-spinal-injury.htm

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