Spinal cord injury is damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal (cauda equina). That causes the spine and changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury. The spinal cord is very sensitive to injury compared to other parts of your body, the spinal cord does not have the ability to repair itself if it is damaged. A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord either from trauma, loss of its normal blood supply, or compression from tumor or infection.
The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages from the brain to all parts of the body. It also sends messages from the body to the brain. We’re able to notice pain and move our arms because of messages sent by the spinal cord. If the spinal cord sustains an injury, some or all of these impulses may not be able to “get through.” The result is a complete or total loss of sensation and mobility below the injury. A spinal cord injury closer to the neck will typically cause paralysis throughout a larger part of the body than one in the lower back area.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
The causes of spinal cord injury are different. The following condition you get a Spinal Cord injury
- motor vehicle accidents (MVA)
- Sports-related injuries, which include football, horseback riding, and hockey, often receive recent media attention
- electrical accidents
- a violent attack such as a stabbing or a gunshot
- Car Accident
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries of any kind may result in one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty with balance and walking
- unconsciousness
- headache
- pain, pressure, and stiffness in the back or neck area
- Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity, and fertility
- Difficulty breathing, coughing or clearing secretions from your lungs
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