An accident occurs or a degenerative condition is present.
The spinal cord runs through a cavity formed by the bony structures of the spine. It is protected not only by a cage of bone, but by ligaments, tissues and spinal fluid. Sometimes, however, an accident or degenerative condition can break through this protection and cause damage to the spinal cord or the surrounding area. Paraplegia occurs when a portion of the thoracic or lumbar spine is damaged, which is most of the area between the base of the neck and the pelvis. Most paraplegia results from traumatic accidents, such as car collisions, motorcycle crashes or long falls. It can also result from crush injuries to the spine, gunshot wounds or diving accidents. Not all spinal cord damage is caused by an accident; some paraplegia may be caused by spinal tumors, degenerative bone or tissue conditions around the spine, or even birth defects.
The nerve flow through the spinal cord is disrupted.
A person whose spinal cord has been damaged in a car accident, motorcycle crash or fall has usually broken one or more vertebrae in his spine. Broken bones may sever nerves, or the spinal cord itself may be partially or completely severed as a result of sheering forces in the accident. Sometimes, however, tissues damaged in an accident simply become so inflamed that they press on portions of the spinal cord, limiting the ability of the nerves to properly conduct. In order for the brain to interpret sensation and make muscles move, the pathways between them must be completely intact. Any portion that is missing or damaged causes the signals to stop, or to be delayed.
Sensation and muscle movement below the injured area is impaired.
There are two kinds of paraplegia: complete and incomplete. A person with complete paraplegia has no sensation or movement below the damaged spinal level. Most of these patients will spend the rest of their lives using a wheelchair for mobility, depending on their level of injury. Despite what you may think you know about paraplegia, there are many different levels of function following the onset. Some people with high levels of injury may not be able to sit up without extra support, because portions of the abdominal muscles are not working well enough to hold up the torso. Other people with lower levels of injury may be able to move their legs with poor control. People who have incomplete injuries, on the other hand, may have minimal impairments in nerve function. Some incomplete paraplegics may even be able to walk, though many require the use of a walker or cane, or are unable to walk for long distances. Regardless of the type or extent of injury, after the initial recovery most paraplegics today are able to live full, happy lives with few complications.
Tags: spinal cord, damaged accident, degenerative condition, injury able, levels injury, levels injury able, movement below