How is a spinal cord injury treated?

A spinal cord injury requires immediate treatment to avoid long-term effects. In some cases, surgery might be recommended to stabilize the bones of the spine, but surgery does not necessarily reduce or repair nervous system injury. Bed rest might be needed in order for the spine to heal. After acute spinal cord injuries occur, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation interventions sometimes are required. Currently, there is no cure for spinal cord injury; however, researchers continue to work on advances, many of which have resulted in a decrease in damage at the time of the injury.

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