Learn About Spinal Cord Injuries

What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, which is a crucial bundle of nerves that carry signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord runs from the lower part of the brain down through the back, ending near the lower back. It plays a vital role in controlling movement, sensation, and many bodily functions.

Spinal cord injuries can result from direct trauma to the spinal cord itself, such as a blow or compression, or from damage to the bones, tissues, and ligaments surrounding the spinal cord. This damage can disrupt the transmission of signals, leading to changes in sensation, movement, strength, and bodily functions below the level of injury. In some cases, these effects may be temporary, but in others, they can be permanent.

Quick facts about spinal cord injuries

What does the spinal cord do?

Your spinal cord acts as a “superhighway” of communication, carrying messages between your brain and body that allow you to move, feel, and respond to the world around you. When an injury occurs, it can interrupt these signals, resulting in temporary or permanent changes to movement, sensation, or both. Here’s how it works and what each part contributes.

Structure and position

The spinal cord is housed within the spine, which consists of 33 vertebrae stacked to form your backbone. Within this structure, the spinal cord runs from the base of your brain down to the lower back, typically ending near the first lumbar vertebra. The cord itself is divided into 31 segments, each giving rise to a pair of spinal nerves that reach different areas of the body.

Communication between brain and body

Each segment of the spinal cord is like a “command center” for specific regions of the body, sending and receiving messages through spinal nerves. These nerves carry instructions to muscles for movement and relay sensory information back to the brain.

Here’s how each section of spinal nerves functions:

• Cervical nerves (C1-C7): Control movement and sensation in the head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and diaphragm, playing a critical role in breathing.
• Thoracic nerves (T1-T12): Influence the chest muscles, some back muscles, and various organ systems, contributing to functions like breathing and upper body movement.
• Lumbar nerves (L1-L5): Manage signals to and from the lower abdomen, back, buttocks, parts of the sexual organs, and the legs, supporting activities like walking and balance.
• Sacral nerves (S1-S5): Control signals for the thighs, lower legs, feet, most external sexual organs, and the area around the anus, playing a key role in mobility and bowel and bladder.

Causes and risks factors of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injuries result from a range of traumatic events or medical conditions. Understanding the common causes and risk factors can help in prevention and in recognizing the challenges you may face.

What is the outlook for people with spinal cord injuries?

Your experience with a spinal cord injury is unique, and the effects may evolve as you work through rehabilitation and adjust to life after the injury.

Recovery varies from person to person. As swelling decreases over time, you may regain partial function, especially if your injury is incomplete. In rare cases, improvement can continue for years, though full recovery is uncommon.

While there is no cure for spinal cord injury, research is advancing. Thanks to modern treatments, assistive devices, and specialized rehabilitation programs, you can adapt and overcome the challenges you face, helping you live a fulfilling and meaningful life.