Question 1

how big is the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Not very: The spinal cord is roughly 18 inches long and somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 inch in diameter.  It extends from the foramen magnum (the giant hole at the base of the skull) to approximately the 10th-12th thoracic vertebrae.

Question 2

in what way are nerves in the spinal cord damaged?

Accepted Answer

Most often trauma: Trauma can either sever the nerves or cause enough inflammation and swelling that a section can die off, with same results. Other things, such autoimmune, ischemia (lack of blood flow) and infection, can severely damage the cord as well.

Question 3

what happens if your spinal cord is crushed or cut?

Accepted Answer

Bad Prognosis: If spinal cord is severed, all functions inferior will be essentially ablated, and paralysis, sensory perception loss, and bowel/ bladder function will be destroyed.  A crush is more variable with maybe some preservation of function, but could be as severe as through and through cut.

Question 4

could you tell me what happens if only a half of the spinal cord is damaged?

Accepted Answer

Let me explain: If you half of the cord damaged? You will lose the function belong to that part of the cord.

Question 5

what is spinal cord stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Pain Management: Spinal cord stimulation also know as neuromodulation is the use of an implanted device that delivers and small electrical impulse to the spinal cord through stimulator leads placed in the epidural space.  These devices are normally used for pain management.  The stimulation results in the patient experiencing a tingling sensation in the area of their pain.

Question 6

can lupus attack the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Systemic lupus erythematosis is an auto-immune disorder (antibodies attack the body's own connective tissue in multiple organs). It can be anything from a very mild disorder to one which affects the kidneys, skin, joints, linings of heart or lungs, heart, etc. And yes, the central or peripheral nervous system, including spinal cord. There are many different neurologic manifestations of lupus.

Question 7

what is spinal cord stimulation like?

Accepted Answer

Electrifying!: Spinal cord stimulation performed for relief of chronic pain involves insertion of electrodes in the back part of the spinal canal. These are guided up to a level at which pain reduction occurs upon administration of a small electric current. Spinal cord stimulation is rarely done for other purposes in routine practice.

Question 8

how serious is acute spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Very: It can lead to paralysis.  It needs to be managed by an expert in an appropriate setting.

Question 9

what is spinal cord stimulation good for?

Accepted Answer

Leg pain: It is best for persistent leg pain after failed surgery.

Question 10

is it bad to have water in your spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes...: Everyone has "water" in their heads and spine called cerebrospinal fluid.  This fluid looks like water, is created in the brain and circulates around the brain and spinal cord, nourishing and protecting the central nervous system.  Rarely, this fluid can  enter the middle of the spinal cord; if the pressure rises enough it can cause spinal cord injury.  Google "syringomyelia" for more information.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Spinal cord blockage

A member asked:

How big is the spinal cord?

A member asked:

In what way are nerves in the spinal cord damaged?

A member asked:

What happens if your spinal cord is crushed or cut?

A member asked:

Could you tell me what happens if only a half of the spinal cord is damaged?

A member asked:

What is spinal cord stimulation?

A member asked:

Can lupus attack the spinal cord?

A member asked:

What is spinal cord stimulation like?

A member asked:

How serious is acute spinal cord injury?

A member asked:

What is spinal cord stimulation good for?

A member asked:

Is it bad to have water in your spinal cord?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?