The main symptoms depend on the location and severity your injury. Your spinal cord runs down the length of your back and connects with nerves that control your body's movements, both voluntary and involuntary. A spinal cord injury high in your neck may cause quadriplegia, which means you may lose the ability to move your arms and legs or even the ability to breathe on your own. An injury to your spinal cord about halfway down your back could cause your legs and chest alone to become paralyzed. This condition is called paraplegia. At the base, your spinal cord ends near your tailbone. An injury in this area may cause you to lose some sensation and function in your hips, legs and genitalia.

A spinal cord injury can lead to other complications besides loss of movement and sensation. Some people have difficulty controlling their bowel and bladder. Your ability to have sex also may be affected. In higher level injuries, SCI can change your body's ability to control its temperature or blood pressure. In addition, the change in sensation may lead to chronic pain.

These physical challenges mean people with SCI may begin to suffer from depression or other mental health changes. To help combat this, it is important to have peer support and therapists that understand this aspect of SCI. Being equipped with information, support, and a determined attitude, you can enjoy life and build a future.

Kris

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Last update: 1/5/05