A spinal cord injury refers to any damage in the spine that may result in the loss of functions such as movement and feeling. The most common causes of this injury are traumatic events (such as automobile accidents, slip and fall) or sickness (polio, spina bifida, Friedreich’s Ataxia, etc.).

In the United States alone, nearly 450,000 people suffer from spinal cord injury. On a yearly basis, 10,000 new victims are added to the list; 82% of them are males aged 16 to 30 years old. These injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents, violence, or falls, accounting for 36%, 28.9%, and 21.2%, respectively.

It is important to note that for loss of functioning to take place, the spinal cord need not be damaged. In some SCI victims, the spinal cord remains undamaged, but the injury to it has led to loss of functioning and paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are distinct from back injuries like slipped discs, or pinched nerves.

The Effects OF Spinal Cord Injuries

The effect of spinal cord injuries is determined by the kind and extent of damage. There are two classes of injury namely complete and incomplete. With the former, the loss of function affects the body below the injury; there is no feeling, or no voluntary movement. Aside from that, the two sides of the body are affected.

In the latter, there is minimal functioning below the injured part. The victim can move a limb or two and have some feeling. There is unbalanced functioning on one part of the body than another. Because of the availability of technology, incomplete SCI has become prevalent.

The degree of injury is vital in determining what area of the body is affected by paralysis and loss of function. In incomplete SCI, the prognosis of the doctor may vary.

Cervical SCI usually causes quadriplegia. If the injury was sustained above the fourth cervix, the victim will require a ventilator to breathe. Shoulder and biceps control and no wrist or hand manipulation characterize injuries in the fifth cervix.

In addition, a C-6 SCI results to presence of wrist control but absence of hand function. Victims suffering from C7 and T1 injuries can stretch their arms but may experience agility problems in their hands and fingers. Paraplegic individuals sustained injuries below the thorax.

In a T1 to T8 SCI, victims can control their hands but find difficulty in moving their trunk due to the absence of abdominal muscle control. Lower T-injuries are characterized by good trunk and abdominal muscle control. Victims have excellent sitting balance. Injuries in the lumbar and sacral region can reduce hip flexors and legs movement.

Aside from loss of sensation or motor functioning, victims of SCI may likewise experience other manifestations. They may suffer from bowel and bladder dysfunction. Injuries sustained in the C1 and C2 regions may lead to difficulty in breathing which may require breathing aids like ventilators and pacemakers.

Other effects may include low blood pressure, ineffective regulation of blood pressure, decrease in body temperature, absence of sweat in the below the injured level, and chronic pain.

Victims of traumatic accidents may inflict serious harm such as a spinal cord injury. To discuss matters about how you can recover from such injuries, you may consult with our expert personal injury attorneys to help you pursue a claim. To learn more information, just log on to our official website and consult with our expert attorneys.