Questions and Answers

While spinal cord injuries can result from damage to any portion of the spinal cord or nerves at its base, these injuries typically are divided into three main areas: cervical spinal cord, thoracic spinal cord, lumbar spinal cord. The cervical spinal cord consists of a total of eight vertebrae, ranging from the top to bottom […] Read More

The most common causes of cervical vertebrae injury and spinal cord damage include a spinal fracture from diving accidents and sports, as well as medical complications. Other common causes include: ·       Tumors; ·       Trauma; ·       Birth defects; ·       Motor vehicle accidents; ·       Infections or diseases; ·       Slip and fall incidents. Read More

A compression of C3 and C4 means that the vertebrae or nerves in the midsection of the cervical spine, near the base of the neck, are compressed. Injuries that impact the nerves and tissue in this upper spinal region are the most severe because they cause the most damage to the body’s central nervous system. […] Read More

It’s not your fault if you get a respiratory infection. We live in a world filled with bacteria and viruses that are nearly impossible to avoid. Nevertheless, a number of strategies can help you reduce the odds of developing a respiratory infection. Those include: ·       Remaining upright as frequently as possible; ·       Coughing frequently, even […] Read More

Respiratory infections come in two basic forms: viral and bacterial. Viral infections typically must run their course, and cannot be treated with antibiotics. If you have a viral infection, your doctor will carefully monitor you and may provide treatment to reduce your symptoms. Occasionally, viral infections turn into bacterial infections, so ask your doctor what […] Read More

Many respiratory infections start out very minor, just like the common cold. But if you have a spinal cord injury, even minor infections can escalate quickly. Signs to immediately report to your doctor include: ·       Swollen lymph nodes in your neck; ·       A feeling of fullness in your chest; ·       Frequent coughing; ·       Congestion; ·      […] Read More

When a respiratory infection spreads to another organ, the infection becomes significantly more difficult to treat. This is especially true for SCI survivors, who already struggle with decreased immunity, and who may have additional health problems. The more rapidly the infection spreads, the more easily your body can become overwhelmed. Even if the infection is […] Read More

Your lungs oxygenate your blood, allowing it to nourish every organ in your body. Without proper oxygenation, you can quickly suffer brain damage and multi-organ failure. When you develop a respiratory infection, you may not breathe as effectively, reducing blood oxygen. In severe cases, you may be unable to breathe at all. Some respiratory infections—even […] Read More

Although anyone can get a respiratory infection, particularly after an injury or other illness, SCI survivors are especially vulnerable. The unique risk factors SCI survivors face include: Decreased immunity after the injury. Drugs your providers give you, as well as your body’s natural immune response to the injury, may both reduce your ability to fight […] Read More

The primary risk to the respiratory system after SCI occurs when the injury impedes the ability to independently breathe, swallow, or cough. The higher the injury, the more likely it is that a patient will experience breathing difficulties that necessitate the use of artificial respirators. These breathing devices are themselves a risk factor for respiratory […] Read More