A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when your spinal column (backbone) or the ligaments that hold your spine together are fractured or displaced. This can result in spinal trauma or paralysis.
Treatment options depend on the severity, type, and location of your injury, and may include rest, medication, traction, bracing, physical therapy, or spinal surgery.
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What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Your spinal cord connects your brain to the nerves throughout your body. It is protected by the spinal column, also known as your spine or backbone.
A spinal cord injury occurs when your spinal column is fractured or the supporting ligaments become displaced, causing bruising or crushing of your spinal cord. This damage can disrupt nerve communication through your spine, leading to loss of sensation and muscle control.
The impact of an SCI depends on the location of the injury along your spine.
There are four regions of your spine where SCI can occur, including:
- Cervical (neck) — The top seven vertebrae. Injury in this region can cause paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia or tetraplegia).
- Thoracic (upper back) — The 12 vertebrae in your chest. Damage often leads to paralysis in the lower limbs (paraplegia).
- Lumbar (lower back) — The vertebrae from your bottom ribs to your hip bones. Injuries typically affect your lower limbs and may cause paraplegia.
- Sacral (pelvis to tailbone) — The lowest part of your spine. Damage can impact hip and leg function.
What are the types of spinal cord injury?
There are two main types of SCIs:
- Complete SCI — Your spinal cord is fully severed, completely cutting off nerve communication to areas below the injury.
- Incomplete SCI — Your spinal cord is partially damaged, allowing for some movement, sensation, or function below your injury.
What causes spinal cord injury?
SCIs often result from trauma to your spine or surrounding tissues. Common causes include:
- Acts of violence, such as gunshot or stab wounds.
- Birth injuries or congenital conditions.
- Diving into shallow water.
- Falls from significant heights.
- Infections affecting your spinal cord.
- Motor vehicle accidents.
- Sports injuries.
- Surgical or medical complications.
What are spinal cord injury risk factors and complications?
Spinal cord injury risk factors
SCI risk factors include:
- Being 16-30 years old or over age 65.
- Being male.
- Improperly fitted sports equipment.
- Not wearing a seatbelt.
- Unsafe driving.
- Using alcohol.
Complications of spinal cord injuries
SCI-related complications can affect overall health. Complications include:
- Breathing issues — One-third of people with a cervical SCI require breathing assistance.
- Chronic pain — Neuropathic pain (burning or stinging) can persist even in paralyzed areas.
- Depression — Lifestyle changes after SCI often contribute to emotional distress.
- Pressure sores — Occur from prolonged immobility.
Bladder/bowel dysfunction, circulation issues, and muscle stiffness are also common.
How can I reduce my risks of spinal cord injury?
Though SCIs are often sudden and unpredictable, taking precautions can reduce your risk. Ways to reduce your risk include:
- Always use a seatbelt in vehicles.
- Avoid falls by using handrails and staying on marked trails.
- Be alert while driving, biking, or walking near traffic.
- Check water depth before diving.
- Maintain your physical health through exercise and proper nutrition.
- Wear protective gear for sports and outdoor activities.
How common are spinal cord injuries?
Globally, more than 15 million people live with SCIs, with approximately 20,000 new SCIs occurring each year in the U.S.
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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?
Symptoms of SCI vary based on injury severity and location. Cervical injuries cause more widespread damage, while lower spinal injuries primarily affect the legs.
SCI symptoms may include:
- Breathing difficulties.
- Difficulty walking or complete immobility.
- Loss of or changes in sexual function.
- Numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, feet, or legs.
- Muscle weakness or fatigue.
- Paralysis in your limbs, pelvis, or chest.
- Pressure or pain in your head, neck, or back.
- Urinary or bowel incontinence.
When should I see a doctor about my spinal cord injury symptoms?
If you experience any symptoms after trauma to your spine, seek emergency care immediately. Untreated SCIs can lead to severe complications or death.
If an SCI occurs due to a car accident, fall, or dive into shallow water:
- Do not move the injured person.
- Emergency personnel may use a rigid neck collar and breathing support to provide safe transport.
- Immediate medical evaluation is critical to prevent further damage.
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How Do You Diagnose a Spinal Cord Injury?
Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors will assess movement, sensation, and reflexes before ordering imaging tests. Tests may include:
- CT scan — Detects internal bleeding, spinal stenosis, and fractures.
- MRI — Provides detailed images of brain function, vascular issues, bleeding, inflammation, and herniated discs.
- X-ray — Quickly identifies misaligned or broken vertebrae.
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How Do You Treat a Spinal Cord Injury?
Treatment focuses on preventing further damage, stabilizing your spine, and improving mobility.
Nonsurgical treatments for spinal cord injuries
Nonsurgical treatment for SCI may include:
- Medications — Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids can help limit nerve damage if administered within eight hours of injury.
- Physical therapy — Begins after you are stable and may continue for a year or longer, depending on the severity of your injury.
- Traction and bracing — Rigid neck collars, metal braces, or body harnesses may stabilize your spine.
Surgery for spinal cord injuries
Surgery is often required immediately to remove bone fragments, herniated discs, or foreign objects that compress the spinal cord. Procedures may also stabilize the spine to prevent further pain or damage.
Rehabilitation programs for spinal cord injuries
People with SCI require a multidisciplinary approach to regain function and adapt to daily life. A specialized care team may include:
- Case managers.
- Nutritionists
- Physical and occupational therapists.
- Physicians and surgeons (neurosurgeons and orthopaedic specialists).
- Psychologists and social workers.
- Recreational and specialized therapists.
- Rehabilitation nurses.
Even with medical advances, many individuals with SCIs require mobility aids such as wheelchairs, ramps, and adaptive equipment. Rehabilitation helps improve independence, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
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Why Choose UPMC for Spinal Cord Injury Care?
UPMC is a national leader in providing comprehensive care for people with spinal cord injuries. As one of only 14 programs in the U.S. to earn the prestigious spinal cord injury model system designation, UPMC offers access to a team of spinal cord injury rehabilitation experts, leading-edge clinical trials, and evidence-based treatment — from emergency services through rehabilitation and reentry into community life.
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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-05-16.
