Specialties & Services

Spinal Trauma

Spinal trauma, such as a spinal cord injury or broken back or neck, happens in an instant and requires immediate treatment. We are here for you with access to the emergency care you need. We offer expertise not widely available in the St. Louis region, helping you heal and move forward with your life.

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Why choose us for spinal trauma?

BJC HealthCare works with WashU Medicine Physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Barnes-Jewish Hospital is home to the nation’s first Level I Trauma Center. This prestigious designation from the American Trauma Society recognizes our ability to deliver any emergency treatment a patient may need. Barnes-Jewish Hospital can handle the most complex forms of spinal trauma any time, day or night. 

Highlights of our program include: 

  • Expertise: Barnes-Jewish Hospital is the region’s largest trauma center, offering a depth of experience that leads to timely, appropriate care. Orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons with advanced training use the latest techniques to assess and treat spinal trauma. Additional specialists are available on short notice, including anesthesiologists and neuroradiologists.
  • Connected and comprehensive care: We deliver advanced spinal trauma services and a seamless experience. From our emergency department to the intensive care unit and outpatient care, the same team of spine experts guides your care. We take extra steps to ensure smooth transitions between inpatient care settings and rehabilitation.
  • Compassion: Experiencing spinal trauma can be scary for you and your loved ones. We provide heartfelt support that helps you feel cared for every step of the way. Whether it’s explaining treatments or preparing for what’s next, we give you the time and attention you deserve.
  • Life-changing care and research: Our approach to spinal rehabilitation (rehab) helps some people with spinal cord injuries recover movement and sensation. We have researchers who are developing external spinal cord stimulation devices. Their work can potentially improve quality of life for even more patients.

What is spinal trauma?

Spinal cord injury

The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerve fibers and nerve cells. It goes from the base of the skull to below the waist. It is protected by the bones of your spine. The spinal cord nerves carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body. For that reason, an injury to the spinal cord is very serious. It may cause loss of feeling below the injured area (numbness). It may cause loss of the ability to move (paralysis). Emergency treatment may help prevent permanent damage. Or it may reduce the severity of the damage.

Back view of person showing spinal cord.

Warning

Don't move a person with a spinal injury unless you must do so to save their life. Call 911 and wait for help.

What causes spinal cord injuries?

Car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and gunshot wounds cause most spinal cord damage. Electrical shock can also damage the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can happen to anyone.

When to go to the emergency room (ER)

A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency. For anyone with a possible injury to the back or neck, call 911 right away. Don't try to move the person. Doing so can cause further injury.

When the paramedics arrive

The emergency technicians will place the injured person on a hard board. They will fit a hard neck brace on their neck. They will ask basic questions, including about health history. They will give the person a physical exam. They might need to put an IV (intravenous catheter) in the person's arm or hand. This is to give medicines or fluids. It is important to tell them all of the medicines the injured person takes.

What to expect in the ER

The healthcare providers and nurses caring for your loved one will act quickly. You can help by answering questions about the injury. Meanwhile, your loved one will be examined, and their breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure will be checked. Oxygen may be given through a facemask. An endotracheal tube may be placed in the throat to aid breathing. Medicines such as steroids may be given to reduce the amount of swelling and injury. To help find the extent of the injury, one or more tests may be done:

  • Spinal X-rays. These can help reveal fracture or damage to the bones of the spine.
  • CT scan. This is a detailed series of X-rays. It shows the location and extent of the damage.
  • MRI. This uses strong magnets and radio waves to make clear computer images of the spine. It can show herniated disks and other problems.
  • Ultrasound or direct exam. This is done to look for a swollen bladder. This is caused by urine that can't drain due to an injured spinal cord. If the bladder is swollen, a urinary catheter may be used to empty the bladder.

Search for a specialist

Our highly trained team of specialists offers advanced treatments as well as compassionate, personalized care.

Spinal trauma testing and treatments

Emergency spinal trauma services

The emergency spinal trauma services that are right for you depend on the location and severity of your injury. We quickly determine your needs and deliver timely, appropriate therapies.

Emergency spinal trauma services at Barnes-Jewish Hospital may include:

  • Transfer to our Level I trauma center: If your care journey starts at another hospital, an ambulance transfers you by ground or helicopter.
  • Expedited spine imaging: Our emergency department has two full-body CT scanners, enabling us to capture images quickly and accurately diagnose your injury.
  • Surgical stabilization of the spine: This procedure may involve removing bone fragments, foreign objects, or damaged spine structures.
  • Spinal fusion: Surgeons create additional spine stability by permanently joining (fusing) vertebrae using bone tissue or surgical cement and hardware.
  • Intensive care (ICU): You start your recovery in our ICU, where care may include medications to relieve pain, bracing or a harness to limit movement and a ventilator.
  • Nerve transfer: You may receive this treatment later in your recovery. It involves transferring a healthy nerve to your injury site to enhance movement and sensation.

Spinal trauma conditions we treat

We offer a depth of experience in treating spine and spinal cord injuries, such as:

  • Broken back
  • Complete spinal cord injury
  • Incomplete spinal cord injury
  • Spinal fracture
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Sport injuries causing spinal trauma

Spinal rehabilitation

A spinal cord injury, broken neck, or back may cause temporary or permanent changes to your abilities. Rehabilitation helps you regain the highest level of functioning. We offer inpatient and outpatient services where highly skilled rehab therapists help you reach your goals. Case managers and social workers provide additional support, making it easier to focus on getting better.

Spinal rehabilitation may include:

Special exercises
We guide you through activities appropriate for your abilities to build strength and balance.

Assisted mobility devices
We use harnesses and technologies to help you walk and move your upper limbs.

Wheelchair evaluation and training
If you need a wheelchair, we help you get the right one for your needs and show you how to use it.

Occupational therapy
Therapists show you special techniques for completing everyday activities like getting dressed. They may recommend adaptive equipment to assist you.

Family support
We provide family caregiver training to help loved ones support you in navigating your home and community.

Home assessments and modifications
Therapists provide recommendations for durable medical equipment that creates a safe home environment.

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