SPINAL INJURIES
The spinal column consists of 33 bones or vertebrae, which support the body and surround the spinal cord for protection. Discs separate the vertebrae, which act like shock absorbers. The spinal cord consists of nerves and fibres, which transmit messages from the brain to the rest of the body. If the cord is damaged or cut, communication between the brain and the rest of the body ceases below the injured site.
DAMAGE CAN BE PERMANENT
Definition of a Spinal Injury
Paraplegia: Paralysis of the legs and lower part of the body.
Quadriplegia: Paralysis of all four limbs, from the neck down.
Causes
- Traffic accidents
- Gunshot wounds
- Sporting accidents
- Diving accidents
- Heavy falls or falls from a height.
Signs and Symptoms may include:
- History of injury
- Pain in the neck or back.
- Tenderness
- Weakness or inability to move the arms or legs.
- Casualty has symptoms of pins and needles in the limbs.
- Loss of power in limbs.