The spine consists of an outer structure of stacked bones (vertebrae) and discs forming the spinal column, which houses the spinal cord — a fragile nerve bundle connecting the brain to the rest of the body.
Spinal cord injuries can stem from damage to vertebrae, ligaments, or discs, often triggered by traumatic events such as:
- Vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Trampoline accidents
- Physical assault
- Falls
- Birth-related injuries
Acute spinal injuries can also result from illnesses like infections, arthritis, or cancer.
Spinal Cord Injuries at a Glance
Symptoms vary by injury severity and location. Higher injuries generally produce more widespread effects. Cervical spine damage can affect everything from the neck downward, while lower back injuries may only impact the waist and below.
Key clinical terms:
- Incomplete injury: some sensation/movement below injury level
- Complete injury: no sensation/movement below injury level
- Paraplegia: loss of lower body/leg function
- Tetraplegia/Quadriplegia: loss of function in arms, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs
Five Common Signs
1. Loss of Feeling
The spinal cord bridges brain and body. When nerve connections are damaged, the ability to feel touch and temperature is compromised. Numbness or tingling in fingers, hands, feet, or toes may result.
2. Muscle Weakness or Loss of Movement
Motor function can be impaired, causing weakness or loss of voluntary movement in arms, chest, or legs. Uncontrolled muscle spasming (spasticity) is also common — affecting an estimated 65–78% of people with spinal cord injuries, caused by disrupted nerve signals triggering reflex spasms.
3. Pain
Contrary to expectations, spinal cord injuries can cause intense pain rather than just numbness. Symptoms range from pressure in the head or neck to stabbing back pain, stemming from nerve fiber damage.
4. Respiratory Problems
The brain sends signals through the spinal cord to activate breathing muscles. Cervical spine damage can interrupt these signals, impairing the muscles that control inhalation and exhalation.
5. Loss of Bladder and Bowel Function
Bladder and bowel control depend on brain-nerve-muscle communication. When that connection is severed, voluntary control is lost.
Diagnosis & Next Steps
Even without obvious symptoms, anyone sustaining a spine injury should seek immediate evaluation. Diagnostic tools typically include:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Neurological studies
A personalized treatment plan can then be developed to manage symptoms and improve comfort.