Locations of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries represent a serious health challenge that can drastically alter the life course of the affected individual. This type of injury occurs as a result of direct or indirect impact on the spinal cord, leading to damage to the nerves responsible for communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

These spinal cord injuries can cause a loss of movement or sensation, affecting the individual's ability to carry out their daily activities.

What Are Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries are serious medical conditions that result from damage to the spinal cord itself, or the nerves branching from it within the spinal canal.

These injuries may lead to partial or complete dysfunction of the nerves, affecting the body's ability to control movement or sensation, and the impact can extend to the functions of internal organs.

The spinal cord is located within the spine and extends from the base of the brain to the lower back, being a crucial part of the central nervous system, transmitting nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

When the spinal cord is injured due to an accident or illness, these signals may be disrupted, leading to neurological symptoms that vary in severity depending on the injury's location and type.

Spinal cord injuries are usually classified into two main types:

Complete Injury: This refers to the total loss of movement and sensation below the injury site.

Incomplete Injury: This type allows the person to retain some movement or sensation, with varying degrees of severity from person to person.

Symptoms Associated with Spinal Cord Injury

• Back or Neck Pain: Accompanied by feelings of numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, or weakness, with pain increasing during movement.

• Weakness in the Bowels or Bladder: Due to the impact on the nerves responsible for controlling them.

• Paralysis: This refers to the inability to move the limbs, indicating direct damage to the spinal cord.

• Brain Injury or Loss of Consciousness: May occur in severe injuries affecting both the spinal cord and the brain.

Locations of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries usually occur in the areas where the spinal cord passes through the spine, extending from the base of the skull to the lower back. These injury locations can be divided into four main regions:

• 1. Cervical Region

  Located at the top of the spine, it includes the seven cervical vertebrae. Injuries in this area often affect the function of the arms or legs, and in severe cases, may lead to complete paralysis.

• 2. Thoracic Region

  This includes the vertebrae in the middle of the back. Injuries in this area may affect the lower body and cause a loss of control over movement and sensation.

• 3. Lumbar Region

  Located at the lower part of the spine, injuries in this area typically affect the lower limbs and may cause weakness in movement or sensation.

• 4. Sacral Region

  This includes the end of the spine and often leads to problems controlling the bladder and bowel with limited effect on movement.

Key Causes of Spinal Cord Fractures

• Car Accidents: One of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries.

• Falls, Sports, Violence, or Various Activities: All are major causes of spinal cord injuries.

• Certain Medical Conditions: Such as osteoporosis or tumors that press on the spinal cord, increasing the risk of injury.

Spinal cord injuries are severe injuries that significantly impact individuals' lives. These injuries are more common in the age group between 18 and 25 years, as this group is more prone to sports accidents and other activities that may expose them to the risk of spinal cord injuries.

It is also observed that men are more likely to experience spinal cord injuries compared to women due to their greater participation in physical activities and sports that increase the likelihood of injury to the spinal cord.

Recognizing the risks and taking appropriate preventive measures can greatly help reduce the risk of spinal cord injuries.

Maintaining our physical safety and paying attention to safety in daily activities is one of the most important steps to avoid these injuries and ensure a healthy and safe life.