The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body, causing loss of certain functions.  Injuries can occur at any level along the spinal cord.  Spinal cord injuries can occur at any of the 33 vertebrae located along the backbone.  The higher up the injury, the more loss of function.  The vertebrae are numbered, with number one at the top.  Cervical injuries are the most severe.

Spinal cord injuries occur as a result of damage or trauma to the spine.  This includes injury to the spine itself or to surrounding tissue or bone, which then may press against the spine.  The majority of injuries occur in the cervical region of the spine, which is the neck.  About one-third occur in the area where the ribs attach to the spine.  The remaining injuries occur in the lower back.

There is ongoing research to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.  To find out more about spinal cord injuries and the research for a cure, contact the National Spinal Cord Injury Association at 800-962-9629.  You can also visit them online at www.spinalcord.org.

Phone code: 1754