What is the spinal cord?
The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that runs from the brain down your back. The spinal cord is protected by the bones of your spine (called vertebrae).
There are four regions within the spinal cord:
- Cervical (neck)
- Thoracic (upper to mid back)
- Lumbar (lower back)
- Sacral (tailbone)
What does the spinal cord do?
The spinal cord acts as a highway between your brain and body.
- It sends messages from your brain down to your muscles and organs to help you move and function.
- It receives messages from your body (like touch, pain, and temperature) and sends them to your brain.
What is a spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury happens when the spinal cord is damaged. This can cause changes in movement, feeling, and body function below the level of the injury. This can occur through traumatic causes (such as a fall or car accident) or non-traumatic causes (such as disease, infection, or medical conditions that affect the spine). In general, higher injuries (closer to the neck) affect more of the body. Lower injuries (closer to the low back) affect less of the body.
Types of paralysis
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): Injury in the neck (cervical) area. Affects your arms, legs, and trunk.
- Paraplegia: Injury in the mid or lower back (thoracic or lumbar regions). Affects your lower body and legs.
Complete vs. Incomplete Injury
A spinal cord injury can be classified as complete or incomplete.
- Complete injury: Minimal to no messages can travel past the injury (Little to no movement or feeling below the injury)
- Incomplete injury: Some messages can still get through (some movement or feeling remains below the injury)
Common symptoms of SCI
A spinal cord injury can cause:
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation
- Paralysis (loss of movement)
- Weakness
- Loss of bowel and/or bowel control
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes in sexual function
- Muscle spasms (spasticity)
Spinal cord injury affects each person differently, and recovery, function, and care needs can change over time. Your healthcare team at Methodist Rehabilitation is here to support you and help you understand what to expect, answer your questions, and guide you through rehabilitation and daily life adjustments. Please do not hesitate to ask your healthcare providers any questions you may have about your condition, recovery, or available resources.