Spinal Cord Injuries In Children: Expert Explains Causes, Management Measures, And Benefits Of Physiotherapy

Did you know Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) can have a profound and lasting impact on a person’s life? They occur when the spinal cord, which is a long, thin bundle of nerves that runs from the brain down the back, is damaged.

It can be caused due to several factors, such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. According to the Global Spine Journal, 1-10% of children who are below nine years old are suffering from SCI in India. We spoke to Dr Harmanjeet Shah, Singh Senior Consultant, Pediatrics, Orthopaedics, who explained SCI, its causes, prevention and benefits of physiotherapy in children.

“The spinal cord, which is said to be the main pillar of the body, is a bundle of nerves that serves several critical functions in the human body. It acts as a vital conduit for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body”, said Dr Shah.

He added, “It processes vital information through sensory neurons and transmits these signals to the brain for sensations, such as touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception (awareness of body position and movement)”.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), SCI incidence rates vary globally, with higher rates reported in low- and middle-income countries due to factors like road traffic accidents, poor infrastructure, falls, and violence.

Impact Of Spinal Cord Injuries

The most common causes of SCI are traffic accidents, falling from a high place, etc. Such injuries disrupt spinal cord functions at the distal level and cause severe disability in affected patients.

It has a deep impact on a person’s life, but when it happens to a child, it becomes a matter of concern for the entire family as the future of the child comes into danger. “It hampers the ability of the child to perform simple daily tasks, such as walking, reaching, and grasping, as well as involuntary movements, such as reflexes”, highlighted Dr Shah.