So what is a spinal cord injury? Damage to the tight bundle of cells and nerves that transmits and receives information from the brain to the rest of the body is known as a spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI can be caused by damage to the tissue and bones in the vertebrae that surround the spinal cord or by direct injury to the spinal cord itself. 

 

The spinal cord runs from the bottom portion of the brain to the lower back. Below the injury site, this damage can cause temporary or permanent alterations in sensation, movement, strength, and bodily functions. The two forms of spinal cord injury are listed below:

Incomplete Injury

The spinal cord may still send and receive information from the brain. People with incomplete injuries may still have some sensory function and control over muscle action below the damage site.

Complete Injury

There’s no nerve communication, and sensory and motor function below the injury site are lost.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

These are the common causes of spinal cord injuries: 

• Vehicle accidents 
• Slip and fall 
• Acts of violence
• Sports-related injuries