An Explanation of Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is approximately 18 inches long and extends from the base of the brain, down the middle of one's back, to about one's waist. The nerves that lie within the spinal cord are called upper motor neurons (UMNs) and they carry messages back and forth from the brain, to the nerves along the spinal tract. Lower Motor neurons (LMNs) are the spinal nerves that branch out from the spinal cord to other parts of the body. Both of these types of spinal nerves enter and exit at each vertebral level and communicate with specific sections of the human body. There are sensory portions of the LMNs that carry sensation messages from the skin, body parts and organs to the brain. The motor portions of the LMN send messages from the brain to different parts of the body in order to initiate muscle movements.

A spinal cord injury consists of an injury to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. Common causes are car accidents, gunshots, falls or disease. It is not necessary for the spinal cord to be severed in order for a loss of function to occur. In most SCI cases, the spinal cord remains intact, but the damage it sustained, caused a loss of function. The spinal cord is damaged the moment bone fragments, disc material or bruised or torn ligaments tear into spinal cord tissue.

The Two Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two types of spinal cord injuries, complete and incomplete. In an incomplete injury, the ability of the spinal cord to send messages to and from the brain is not lost completely. People with an incomplete SCI still maintain some motor or sensory control below the injury. People with a complete SCI have lost all sensory and motor control as a result of the injury.

Either way, the survivors of SCIs, are likely to suffer from chronic pain and bladder and bowel dysfunction, along with an increase risk of respiratory and heart problems. If you or a loved one has suffered from a spinal cord injury at the hands of another individual or entity, a Greensboro personal injury attorney from the Roane Law can greatly assist you in your personal injury case.

Contact a Greensboro Personal Injury Lawyer from our firm for a free consultation.