What are spinal cord injuries?

The term “spinal cord injury” describes any injury involving the bundle of nerves that runs within the backbone of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is made of nerve fibers, which are responsible for the body’s ability to feel, move and perform functions such as breathing and sweating. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of injuries to the spinal cord, although other accidents and injuries, such as falls (Christopher Reeve), gunshot wounds (Larry Flynt), and sport injuries (Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin), may result in injury to the nerves within the spinal cord as well. The amount of bodily function lost following a spinal cord injury depends on the location and seriousness of the impact on the nerves. The types of disabilities associated with spinal cord injury vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury, the segment of the spinal cord at which the injury occurs, and which of the nerve fibers are damaged.