Surgery may be recommended. Bedrest is needed to allow the spine, which bears most of the weight of the body, to heal. Anatomic realignment is important. Neurologic losses are treated, including treatment of muscle spasms , care of the skin, and treatment of bowel and bladder dysfunction. Extensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation interventions are often required after the acute injury has healed.
Rehabilitation assists the person in coping with disability that results from spinal-cord trauma.
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See spinal injury - support group . Death is possible, particularly if there is paralysis of the breathing muscles. The level of injury affects the outcome. Recovery of movement or sensation within 1 week usually indicates eventual recovery of most function, although this may take 6 months or more.