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Spinal Cord Injuries
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Injuries Wounds

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury disrupts the essential flow of signals between the brain and the body, often requiring immediate medical intervention to mitigate long-term damage.

Overview

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves running down the middle of the back that carries signals back and forth between the body and the brain. Injuries to this area usually begin with a blow that fractures or dislocates the vertebrae—the bone disks that make up the spine. While most injuries do not completely sever the spinal cord, they cause damage when bone fragments tear into the tissue or compress the nerve pathways.

Types of Injury

  • Complete spinal cord injury: The cord cannot send signals below the level of the injury, resulting in paralysis below that point.
  • Incomplete spinal cord injury: The individual retains some movement and sensation below the level of the injury.

Treatment and Management

A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment is critical to reduce long-term effects. Initial management may include:

  • Medicines
  • Braces or traction to stabilize the spine
  • Surgery

Long-term care typically involves ongoing medication and rehabilitation therapy. Additionally, mobility aids and assistive devices may be utilized to assist with daily tasks and improve mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep the person still and do not move them unless they are in immediate danger, such as from fire or traffic. If movement is absolutely necessary, maintain the head, neck, and spine in a straight line to prevent further damage. Do not allow the person to sit up or stand. If they are vomiting, roll them as a single unit to the side to clear the airway while keeping the spine aligned. Call emergency services immediately and inform them of the suspected spinal injury so they can bring appropriate immobilization equipment.
Rehabilitation is central to maximizing function and independence after a spinal cord injury. It typically begins in the acute hospital phase as soon as the patient is medically stable, often within days of the injury. The process involves a multidisciplinary team including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and specialized nurses. Goals include learning to use mobility aids, performing daily living tasks, and managing bladder and bowel function. Long-term rehabilitation continues in inpatient facilities and then transitions to outpatient therapy, focusing on vocational training, psychological support, and community reintegration to help the individual return to work and social activities.
Common secondary complications include autonomic dysreflexia, a potentially life-threatening spike in blood pressure caused by noxious stimuli below the injury level. Other issues include neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction, which require strict catheterization or bowel management programs to prevent infections and impaction. Patients are also at high risk for pressure ulcers due to lack of sensation, requiring regular skin checks and pressure-relieving surfaces. Additionally, chronic pain, spasticity, and respiratory complications, particularly for high cervical injuries, require ongoing monitoring and medication management.
complete injury means there is no function below the level of injury, resulting in permanent paralysis and loss of sensation in the affected areas. Recovery focuses on adapting to a wheelchair, managing complications like pressure sores and bladder issues, and maximizing independence in daily activities. An incomplete injury retains some function below the injury site, offering a better prognosis for regaining some movement and sensation. Rehabilitation for incomplete injuries often involves intensive physical and occupational therapy to strengthen remaining muscles and retrain the nervous system, with outcomes varying based on the severity and location of the damage.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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