Spinal cord injuries require specialized care for pain management and quality of life improvement. At the Institute of Orthopedics, Spine, & Sports in Clifton, NJ, we focus on non-surgical treatments, emphasizing injection therapies. These treatments alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Our skilled specialists use advanced techniques and high-quality equipment to provide personalized care. Injection therapies offer a minimally invasive, effective solution for spinal cord injury management. To book an appointment and receive the care you need, contact us at (973) 922-9515. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal results.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can result from various traumatic and non-traumatic causes. Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention and effective treatment.
Traumatic Causes
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: The leading cause of SCIs, accounting for nearly half of all new cases annually. The force of a collision can cause severe spinal damage. The sudden impact can dislocate or fracture vertebrae, leading to compression or severing of the spinal cord.
- Falls: Particularly common in older adults, falls can lead to significant spinal injuries, especially when falling from a height or onto a hard surface. Falls can cause fractures and dislocations that compress the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Sports Injuries: High-impact sports like football, wrestling, and gymnastics can result in spinal cord injuries due to sudden, forceful impacts. Activities like diving into shallow water, skiing, and horseback riding are also high risk for spinal injuries.
- Violence: Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds or stabbings, can cause direct damage to the spinal cord. These injuries often result in immediate and severe consequences, including paralysis and loss of function.
Non-Traumatic Causes
- Diseases: Conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and osteoporosis can lead to spinal cord damage over time. Tumors can grow in or near the spinal cord, causing pressure and damage, while arthritis and osteoporosis can weaken the spinal column, leading to fractures and subsequent spinal cord injury.
- Infections: Infections like meningitis, which causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, or abscesses, which are collections of pus due to infection, can cause inflammation and damage to the spinal cord. These infections can lead to loss of function and require prompt medical attention to prevent long-term damage.
- Degenerative Conditions: Conditions like spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) or herniated discs can progressively compress and damage the spinal cord. Degenerative disc disease can cause vertebrae to rub against each other, leading to nerve damage and chronic pain.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
The symptoms of a spinal cord injury can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury. Common symptoms include:
- Loss of Movement: Partial or complete loss of movement in different parts of the body, depending on the injury level. Injuries higher on the spinal cord can affect the arms and legs (quadriplegia), while lower injuries might affect the legs and lower body (paraplegia).
- Loss of Sensation: Reduced or complete loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, and touch. This loss can be localized to specific body parts or widespread.
- Pain or Stinging Sensation: Intense pain or stinging sensation due to nerve fiber damage. Neuropathic pain is common and can be severe, affecting daily activities and quality of life.
- Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control: Disruption in the ability to control bladder and bowel functions, leading to incontinence or retention issues.
- Spasms: Uncontrollable muscle spasms or exaggerated reflex activities. Spasticity can cause significant discomfort and interfere with mobility.
- Respiratory Problems: Difficulty breathing, especially if the injury is in the upper spine. Injuries at the cervical level can impair the muscles needed for breathing, requiring mechanical ventilation in severe cases.

Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Injury
Accurate and timely diagnosis of a spinal cord injury is crucial for effective treatment. At the Institute of Orthopedics, Spine, & Sports, we utilize a combination of physical examinations and advanced imaging techniques to diagnose SCIs.
Physical Examination
A thorough physical examination is the first step in diagnosing a spinal cord injury. Our specialists assess the patient’s sensory and motor function, reflexes, and overall neurological health. This examination helps determine the level and extent of the injury. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale is often used to classify the severity of spinal cord injuries based on motor and sensory function.
Imaging Techniques
- X-rays: X-rays are often the first imaging technique used to identify fractures, dislocations, and other abnormalities in the spine. They provide a quick overview of the bone structures and can reveal significant spinal misalignments or damage.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI provides detailed images of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues, allowing for precise identification of injuries and any compression caused by swelling, herniated discs, or other factors. MRI is particularly useful for visualizing soft tissues and can detect lesions, bleeding, and inflammation that are not visible on X-rays.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans offer a more detailed view of the bone structures and can help identify fractures and other spinal abnormalities. CT scans can provide cross-sectional images of the spine, giving a comprehensive view of the extent of bone damage and the spatial relationship of different vertebrae.
In some cases, additional tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies may be conducted to assess the electrical activity of muscles and the conduction of nerve signals, providing further insight into the extent of nerve damage and muscle function.
Injection Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury
Injection therapies are a vital component of our treatment approach at the Institute of Orthopedics, Spine, & Sports. These minimally invasive treatments aim to reduce pain, and inflammation, and improve function without the need for surgery. Here are some of the advanced injection therapies we offer for spinal cord injuries.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections involve injecting corticosteroids directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord. This treatment helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with spinal cord injuries. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precise delivery of the medication. Epidural injections are particularly effective for patients experiencing radicular pain, which radiates from the spine to the limbs.
Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks involve injecting anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medications around specific nerves to block pain signals. This treatment is particularly effective for managing chronic pain resulting from spinal cord injuries. Nerve blocks can provide temporary pain relief and improve the patient’s quality of life. They are also used diagnostically to pinpoint the source of pain.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy utilizes the patient’s blood, which is processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. This concentrated plasma is then injected into the injury site. PRP therapy promotes tissue healing and regeneration, offering a promising option for patients with spinal cord injuries. The growth factors in PRP stimulate cell repair and accelerate the healing process.
Intrathecal Drug Delivery
Intrathecal drug delivery involves implanting a pump that delivers medication directly into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. This method allows for targeted delivery of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs, reducing systemic side effects and providing effective pain management. Intrathecal pumps are especially beneficial for patients with severe chronic pain that is unresponsive to other treatments.
Regenerative Medicine Injections
Regenerative medicine focuses on promoting the body’s natural healing processes. At our clinic, we offer advanced regenerative medicine injections, such as stem cell therapy, to enhance tissue repair and regeneration. These injections aim to improve function and reduce symptoms in patients with spinal cord injuries. Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into various cell types, aiding in the repair of damaged tissues and promoting neurological recovery.

Benefits of Injection Therapies
Injection therapies offer several benefits for patients with spinal cord injuries, making them a preferred treatment option for many. These benefits include:
- Minimally Invasive: Injection therapies are non-surgical procedures, which means they do not involve large incisions or significant trauma to the body. This minimizes the risks associated with surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. The minimally invasive nature also means that patients can typically return to their normal activities much sooner than they would after surgery.
- Targeted Treatment: One of the significant advantages of injection therapies is the ability to deliver medications directly to the affected area. This targeted approach ensures that the medication acts precisely where it is needed, providing more effective relief. By focusing on the specific site of injury or inflammation, these treatments can reduce the overall dose of medication required, minimizing potential side effects.
- Pain Management: Chronic pain is a common and debilitating symptom of spinal cord injuries. Injection therapies, such as epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks, can provide significant pain relief. By interrupting the pain signals sent to the brain or reducing inflammation around the injured area, these treatments help alleviate discomfort and improve the patient’s ability to engage in daily activities.
- Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response to injury, but prolonged or excessive inflammation can exacerbate pain and hinder healing. Injection therapies often include corticosteroids, potent anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling and inflammation around the spinal cord injury site. By decreasing inflammation, these injections help alleviate pressure on nerves and other structures, thereby reducing pain and improving mobility.
- Promotion of Healing: Regenerative medicine injections, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy, are designed to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. PRP therapy involves concentrating the patient’s platelets and growth factors to accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. Stem cell therapy utilizes cells that can differentiate into various tissue types, promoting the repair of damaged spinal cord tissues. These treatments aim to improve neurological function and overall recovery outcomes.
- Fewer Side Effects: Compared to systemic medications, which affect the entire body, localized injection therapies typically have fewer side effects. Because the medication is delivered directly to the problem area, lower doses can be used, reducing the risk of systemic side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, weight gain, or hormonal imbalances often associated with long-term use of oral corticosteroids or other pain medications.
- Improved Quality of Life: By effectively managing pain and reducing inflammation, injection therapies can significantly enhance a patient’s quality of life. Patients often experience improved mobility, increased participation in daily activities, and a reduction in the emotional and psychological burden associated with chronic pain. This holistic improvement can also lead to better mental health and overall well-being.
- Cost-Effective: While the initial cost of injection therapies may vary, they can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to surgical interventions. Reduced hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and less reliance on long-term medications contribute to overall cost savings. Additionally, avoiding surgery minimizes the risk of complications that could lead to additional medical expenses.
Conclusion
At the Institute of Orthopedics, Spine, & Sports in Clifton, NJ, we provide advanced, non-surgical treatment options for spinal cord injuries. Our focus on injection therapies allows us to offer effective, minimally invasive treatments that reduce pain, improve function, and enhance the overall quality of life for our patients. If you or a loved one is suffering from a spinal cord injury, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our specialized injection therapies can help you on the path to recovery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit our clinic or call us at (973)-922-9515. Our team of experts is here to provide the highest quality care and support for your spinal cord injury treatment needs.