
The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and runs from the neck to the lower back. Many people are surprised that it has the consistency of toothpaste. The spinal cord is surrounded and protected by the bony spinal column (the spine) and consists of millions of nerve fibres that transmit information to and from the limbs, trunk and organs of the body.
Spinal cord injury occurs if pressure is applied to the spinal cord, and/or the blood and oxygen supply to the cord is disrupted. This means that part of the spinal cord dies.
The major causes of traumatic spinal cord injury are traffic-related accidents (motor vehicles and motor cycles), falls, diving and sports-related accidents.
There are two main types of spinal cord injury, depending on where damage to the spinal cord occurs.
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia) is the partial or complete paralysis of the upper and lower portion of the body, including legs, trunk, arms and hands. Quadriplegia is a neck injury.
Paraplegia is the partial or complete paralysis of the lower portion of the body, including the legs and, in many cases, some or all of the trunk. Paraplegia is a back injury.
Approximately 15 000 Australians live with spinal cord injury. 350 to 400 new cases are recorded each year. Most spinal cord injuries are permanent and life changing.
Reference:
The economic cost of spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury in Australia, The Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative, Report by Access Economics Pty Limited, Australia, June 2009, P.16
Our expert team of clinical and allied health specialists have compiled a series of fact sheets about living with spinal cord injury. These cover everything from adjusting to your injury, equipment, dealing with pain and healthy living.