Spine Trauma
What is Spine Trauma?
An injury to your spine can change your life in an instant. Whether caused by a fall, accident, or another event, spine trauma affects the nerves, bones, and tissues that help you move and feel.
Care is focused on easing pain, protecting your spinal cord, and helping you regain as much movement and independence as possible.
Symptoms
Spine trauma can cause symptoms right away or develop over time. You might notice:
- Sudden, severe back or neck pain
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness in arms or legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Trouble walking or balancing
- Unusual head or neck position
Causes
Spine trauma can happen for many reasons, such as:
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Acts of violence
- Heavy lifting or sudden twisting motions
Risk Factors
Your chances of spine trauma can increase with:
- Osteoporosis or weak bones
- High-impact activities without proper safety gear
- Age-related wear and tear on the spine
- Previous spine injuries
Treatments
Care for spine trauma depends on the injury’s type and severity. Treatment may include:
- Bracing or immobilization to protect the spine
- Medications to reduce pain and swelling
- Physical or occupational therapy to restore movement and strength
- Surgery to stabilize bones, relieve pressure, or repair damaged tissue
Your team walks with you through each step, adjusting your plan to meet your needs and goals.
Outlook
Recovery looks different for each person. Some return to full activity, while others adapt to new ways of moving.
With timely treatment, rehabilitation, and support, many people see improvement in strength, mobility, and quality of life.
Prevention
While not all spine injuries can be avoided, you can lower your risk by:
- Wearing seat belts and helmets during travel or sports
- Using proper lifting techniques
- Keeping bones strong through diet and exercise
- Maintaining safe environments at home and work
Why Choose CHRISTUS Health
You deserve care that sees you as more than your symptoms. At CHRISTUS Health, your story matters — every worry, every hope, every step forward.
Here, caregivers take the time to listen before they act, to hold your hand before a procedure, and to celebrate each small milestone with you. Care is close to home, shaped around your needs, and ready when you are.
From your first visit to your last follow-up, you’ll have a team that treats you like family — walking with you through the hard days and cheering you on through the better ones.
Because your health journey isn’t just about getting better. It’s about feeling understood, supported, and never alone.