The spinal cord is the source of all central nervous system function. It extends from the base of the brain down the back through the vertebral column, connecting with the major nerve roots that branch into the network of nerves that serve the various organs and organ systems of the body.  The central nervous system is the primary stimulus for essential body functions and any injury or impairment alters the function of those body systems and organs supplied by the affected nerves.

Spinal cord injury creates a significant impairment of central nervous system function, from the level of the injury downward. For example, an injury to the spinal cord in the neck will affect almost all body functions, depending on the severity of the injury. An injury in the lumbar, or lower back region will affect functions from that level down. The spine is described as having several segments – the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral, which correspond to the description of a spinal cord injury. For example, an injury in the neck area will be defined as a cervical injury, also referred to as a C-spine injury, and is further clarified by the actual number of the vertebra involved – for example, a C-4 injury.

Spinal cord injury is a serious and sometimes life-threatening injury, which requires immediate medical attention and often life-long care. There are about 11,000 spinal cord injuries in the United States each year and many result in permanent disability, including paralysis. However, the long-term effects of spinal cord injury vary depending on both the level of the injury and the nature of the injury.

A complete transection of the spinal cord will result in a complete loss of sensory and motor function from that level of the spinal cord down. A partial transection will cause different motor and sensory losses depending on the level of spinal cord affected and the area that is injured. The term quadriplegia, or tetraplegia, refers to an injury that affects motor and sensory function from the neck down. Paraplegia refers to an injury that affects nerve function from the thoracic or lower spine down. At this time, more than 80 percent of all spinal cord injuries occur in men.

Treatment for a spinal cord injury must begin at the time of injury. You may have seen examples of sports injuries in which extreme caution is taken to immobilize the athlete’s neck and back prior to being transported from the field. This is an essential precaution to prevent any further injury to the spinal cord, even before it is determined that a spinal cord injury has occurred. It is not uncommon to suffer a phenomenon called “spinal shock” or areflexia, in which there seems to be no motor or sensory function, even though the spine is not seriously injured.

Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations are required to determine whether or not there is an injury and how severe it is. In some cases, there is only bruising, which may heal with proper care. There are also cases in which a vertebra is fractured or compressed against the spinal cord, which may heal without long-term effects if proper care and treatment are received.

Permanent injury to the spinal cord requires life-long medical treatment and supportive care. The type of care and treatment required will vary depending on the level of the injury. If you have a cervical spine injury, you may require comprehensive support to maintain vital functions. Important advances in supportive and assistive technology have made it possible for many patients to achieve some independence, even though they may require round-the-clock monitoring and care. Individuals with lower injuries have a higher probability for independent lives, however, all spinal cord injury patients require close monitoring and expert care.

If you feel you are suffering from a spinal cord injury, please call 1-888-563-KNEE(5633) to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists