Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering, impacting movement, sensation, and independence. At Herald Medical PLLC in San Antonio, Texas, Matthew Taon, MD, RPVI, WCC, CIIP, and his experienced team provide compassionate, expert care and innovative, noninvasive treatment to help you heal and adapt. Learn more by calling the friendly staff to book an appointment or use the convenient online scheduling feature today.

What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) happens when the spinal cord is damaged, interrupting the flow of signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Your spinal cord is a vital part of your central nervous system, running from the base of your brain down your back, controlling movement, sensation, and bodily functions.

Injuries to the spinal cord can result from trauma, such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries, or from nontraumatic causes like tumors or infections.

What happens when you have a spinal cord injury?

The impact of an SCI varies based on its severity and where it occurs along the spine. A complete injury results in a total loss of sensation and movement below the level of the injury site, whereas an incomplete injury allows for some retained function. 

Generally, the higher the injury is on the spinal cord, the greater the portion of the body that may be affected. For example, an injury in your neck can result in quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs and possibly the respiratory system. In contrast, a lower injury might lead to paraplegia, impacting your legs and lower body.

What are the results of a spinal cord injury?

Common results of a SCI include:

• Loss of motor function
• Loss of sensation
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction
• Spasticity
• Chronic pain

It may also cause breathing difficulties as well as emotional challenges, including depression and anxiety, as you adjust to life changes.

How is a spinal cord injury treated?

Treatment for spinal cord injuries at Herald Medical PLLC focuses on stabilization, rehabilitation, and maximizing function. In the early stages, emergency treatment may involve surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or to stabilize the spine. 

Long-term treatment includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices to help you regain as much independence as possible.

The team offers ONWARD ARCEX® therapy, a promising noninvasive treatment for spinal cord injuries. The ARCEX system uses electrical stimulation to activate the spinal cord’s natural networks, helping restore movement and function. You wear the system externally, and there’s no need for surgery.

It delivers targeted stimulation to specific areas of your spinal cord during physical therapy sessions. Studies have shown that ONWARD ARCEX can improve hand and arm function, helping you perform daily tasks more easily and with greater independence.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more about treatment for a spinal cord injury. Call or book online now.