What and Why?

Spinal injury and spinal cord injury results when the body is exposed to forces greater than body parts can withstand. Force in amounts that can cause such damage result from auto crashes, falls from heights, falls, crashes and blows associated with sport and recreation, contact with an unmovable object or surface when diving or, from penetration by gunshot or sharp objects. 

Spinal Injury

Sometimes only the bony structures and/or ligaments are damaged, resulting in various kinds of fractures (broken bones and discs or dislocations) and an unstable spine. Though the area affected will probably need to be immobilized until healing results, the spinal cord is not affected.

Spinal Cord Injury

When the injury involves the spinal cord, the flow of messages between the brain and the rest of the body is interrupted or broken. The interruption results in a decrease or loss in motor function (movement) or sensation (feeling) or both below the level of injury and will also affect bowel, bladder and sexual function.