Spinal Cord Injury
(SCI)
A complete guide to understanding spinal cord injury
QuickGuide
CONTENTS
What is a SCI?
Injury Levels
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord is damaged by trauma, disease, or degenerative condition.
This damage disrupts the signals between the brain and the body, leading to changes in movement, sensation, bowel/bladder control, and other functions below the injury site.
Every SCI is unique, and with modern rehabilitation, many people live full, active lives.
15 million
~18,000
People living with SCI globally
new SCIs every year in the U.S.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
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Over
SCI LEVELS
Cervical (C1 - C7)
C-Level injuries generally involve impair
Thoracic (T1 - T12)
Sacral (S1 - S5)
Lumbar (L1 - L5)
Symptoms vary but commonly include loss of movement, numbness, or altered reflexes below injury site.
Treatment focuses on stabilizing the spine, preventing further injury, and rehabilitation therapies.
Many injuries are preventable through safety measures like seat belts and helmets.