People who are not medical experts should be extremely careful when trying to provide first aid to a person who may have experienced a spinal cord injury (SCI). It is crucial not to move the affected person. Doing so can result in permanent paralysis and other complications. For more information about how to detect whether or not a patient has experienced an SCI, see Signs and Symptoms.

People are urged to call 911 if they are with someone who may have suffered an SCI. The injured person should be kept still with heavy towels on both sides of the neck. Or, the injured person’s head and neck should be held in place to prevent movement. If cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is necessary, it should be performed as normal except the patient’s head should not be tilted back to open the airway.

After an injured person is brought to an emergency room, a physician will carefully inspect the body to look for signs of an SCI. The physician will ask about how the injury occurred and will test for sensory or motor function.

Imaging tests such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed axial tomography (CAT) scans likely will be performed to look for damage to the spine. An imaging test called myelography (x-rays of the spine taken after an injection of contrast dye) sometimes can help identify the condition of nervous tissue of the spinal cord.

Prompt professional emergency care can help limit some of the damage caused by an injury to the spinal cord. Certain corticosteroid medications administered within the first eight hours following injury appear to reduce damage to a patient’s nervous tissue. 

A few days after the injury, a neurological examination and more imaging tests may be completed. This can provide a physician additional information about the extent of the injury.

Various treatments are available for patients with SCIs. Neck & spine bracing with traction can help stabilize the spine and bring it into alignment during healing. This may be accomplished by using metal braces to hold the skull in place. A rigid neck collar also can be used for this purpose.

In many cases, SCIs can cause respiratory problems. One-third of patients with injuries to the neck area require medical support to help them breathe, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Devices such as a respirator or diaphragmatic pacemaker can aid breathing.

Surgery may be required in some cases to remove fragments that are compressing the spine, to stabilize the spine to prevent future pain or deformity, or to facilitate mobilization of the patient for physical therapy or other activities.

Patients may remain in the hospital for anywhere from several days to weeks or months, depending on the nature and extent of their injury. After the patient has been released, physical therapy may be suggested to help rehabilitate the patient.

Recovery from SCIs may begin within a week of injury. Most of the recovery takes place in the first year. Most physicians consider impairment that remains 12 to 24 months after the injury to most likely be permanent. In some cases, patients will need a wheelchair to get around or computer devices to help them with their daily activities.

SCIs are often life-changing events that may present significant emotional challenges to the patient. Patients may wish to participate in mental health counseling for emotional and social support.