Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering, affecting everything from mobility to independence. Navigating recovery and treatment options requires not only advanced medical care but also clear, compassionate guidance from experts in the field.

In this article, Dr. Juan Jimenez, neurosurgeon from Riverside Healthcare’s Brain and Spine Institute, shares insights on the causes, treatment approaches, and long-term outlook for spinal cord injuries—offering vital information and reassurance for patients and families facing this complex journey.

Understanding the Mechanics of the Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system, acting as the communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. It controls all movement and sensation in the arms, legs, and torso, with signals traveling from the brain through the spinal cord to initiate actions or relay sensory information back to the brain. 

Spinal cord injuries can be classified as either complete—where all signal transmission is lost—or incomplete, where some function remains. The impact of an injury depends on its location along the spine: injuries higher up (cervical) tend to cause more severe deficits, potentially affecting the entire body, while lower injuries (thoracic, lumbar, sacral) typically affect specific regions, such as the legs or bowel and bladder function. 

The most common causes of spinal cord injuries include motor vehicle accidents, falls, and acts of violence. However, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk. “With accidents, particularly automobile accidents which are the most common, wearing a seatbelt is the best protective measure you can take,” urges Dr. Jimenez. “Also, I always counsel my patients' posture. I think it's something simple we can all do. Not just in the setting of spinal cord injury, but in terms of spinal health.”

The Critical Nature of Spinal Cord Injuries: Don’t Delay!

If someone is suspected to have a spinal cord injury—whether from a fall, accident, or other trauma—it’s critical to treat the situation as a medical emergency and call 911 immediately. According to Dr. Jimenez, any compromise to the neurological system, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness, warrants prompt evaluation. 

Patients should avoid moving, and first responders should immobilize the spine to prevent further damage. Until a thorough medical and neurosurgical assessment is completed, the spine should be assumed unstable to minimize the risk of worsening the injury.

“I hear patients say, ‘Well, I was feeling okay. Felt a little this, little that. But, I declined being taken to the hospital.’ Then, they land in my office and we realize, ‘Houston, we have a problem.’ Certainly, getting prompt expertise is the most important step, as far as the evaluation, treatment, and avoidance of further injury,” urges Dr. Jimenez. “Problems could be made worse, or the results of the injury could be made worse, if not immobilized and then evaluated.”

How Are Spinal Cord Injuries Treated?

Treatment for spinal cord injuries depends on the severity and stability of the injury. Initial care involves immobilization, examination, and imaging—typically X-rays and CT scans to assess bone damage, followed by MRI to evaluate soft tissue and spinal cord involvement. If the spine is unstable due to fractures or ligament damage, surgery is usually required to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine, often with hardware placement. 

In less severe cases without spinal instability or neurological deficits, treatment may involve bracing rather than surgery. Ultimately, the goals are to decompress the spinal cord and secure the spine to prevent further injury and support recovery.

Can People Recover from a Spinal Cord Injury?

Recovery from a spinal cord injury varies widely based on the severity and location of the injury. Complete spinal cord injuries often have a poor prognosis, though in rare cases, immediate surgical intervention can lead to some recovery. Incomplete injuries generally offer better chances for regaining function. 

Recovery is a long-term process that begins with intensive hospital care and progresses to rehabilitation, which plays a critical role in maximizing function and independence. Depending on the injury, patients may need assistive devices, wheelchairs, or even ventilatory support for higher-level spinal injuries. Support organizations can also help patients and families navigate the challenges of long-term recovery.

“I'm dating myself, but Christopher Reeve, Superman back in the day, had a high cervical spinal cord injury with quadriplegia or loss of movement of all four limbs. But, he continued on for a number of years. With adequate treatment, there can be supportive measures to allow the best quality of life possible, given the devastating nature of a spinal cord injury,” assures Dr. Jimenez.

Advanced and Emerging Technology Gives Hope

Advanced technology and experienced surgical teams are critical to effectively treating spinal cord injuries, and Riverside Healthcare is equipped with state-of-the-art tools to support these efforts. Dr. Jimenez highlights the use of intraoperative imaging, GPS-guided hardware placement, robotics, and augmented reality, all of which enhance precision and patient safety during surgery. 

Riverside stays current with emerging treatments through collaboration with national neurosurgical societies. One promising development is spinal cord stimulation, recently FDA-approved for spinal cord injury treatment, which may help restore movement by reactivating nerve signals—similar to flipping a light switch. While broader use may be delayed due to insurance approval processes, this technology represents a significant step forward, with more innovations on the horizon through ongoing research and partnerships.

The Passion Behind the Profession: 20 Years and Counting

Dr. Jimenez is celebrating 20 years of providing neurological care at Riverside Healthcare, marking two decades of growth and community impact. When he first arrived, the region lacked consistent, local neurosurgical services—something he had witnessed firsthand while training at Rush and receiving patient transfers from Kankakee. His decision to join Riverside was driven by the opportunity to build a stable, community-based neurosurgery program. 

Over the years, the program has expanded significantly from a small office to a multi-site operation, now including locations in Bourbonnais, Frankfort, Watseka, and Coal City. With the support of his partner Dr. Zakaria, advanced practice providers, dedicated staff, and Riverside’s hospital teams, Dr. Jimenez has helped create a comprehensive and accessible neurosurgery program rooted in the community.

“There has been a lot of growth. There's been a lot of training, and I think it's been a beautiful journey, being here full time and catering to the needs of the community for neurosurgical services,” he shares.

For more information on Riverside's neurosurgery services click here.