Spinal Cord Injury | MedlinePlus

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itemscope itemprop="itemListElement" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a> → <meta itemprop="position" content="1"/> </div> <div itemscope itemprop="itemListElement" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Health Topics</span></a> → <meta itemprop="position" content="2"/> </div> <div> <span>Spinal Cord Injuries</span> </div> </div> </div> <span class="page-url print-only">URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/spinalcordinjuries.html</span> <div id="topic"> <article> <div class="page-info"> <div class="page-title syndicate"> <a id="start" name="start"></a> <h1 itemprop="name"> Spinal Cord Injuries </h1> </div> <div class="page-actions"></div> </div> <div class="main"> <section id="toc-section"> <div id="table-of-contents"> <span class="toc-label">On this page</span> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>Basics</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Summary" href="#summary">Summary</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Start Here" href="#cat_51">Start Here</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Diagnosis and Tests" href="#cat_92">Diagnosis and Tests</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Treatments and Therapies" href="#cat_78">Treatments and Therapies</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>Learn More</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Related Issues" href="#cat_47">Related Issues</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Specifics" href="#cat_42">Specifics</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p class="evencols clearsection hrdividor"></p> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>See, Play and Learn</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Videos and Tutorials" href="#cat_94">Videos and Tutorials</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p class="threecols clearsection hrdividor"></p> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>Research</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Clinical Trials" href="#cat_27">Clinical Trials</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Journal Articles" href="#cat_59">Journal Articles</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p class="evencols clearsection hrdividor"></p> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>Resources</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Reference Desk" href="#cat_82">Reference Desk</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Find an Expert" href="#cat_83">Find an Expert</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>For You</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Children" href="#cat_8">Children</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Patient Handouts" href="#cat_69">Patient Handouts</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="summary"></a> <section id="topsum_section"> <div class="summary-title syndicate"> <h2>Summary</h2> </div> <div id="topic-summary" class="syndicate"><p>Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of your back. It carries signals back and forth between your body and your brain. A spinal cord injury disrupts the signals. Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a blow that <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/fractures.html">fractures</a> (breaks) or <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/dislocations.html">dislocates</a> your vertebrae, the bone disks that make up your spine. Most injuries don't cut through your spinal cord. Instead, they cause damage when pieces of vertebrae tear into cord tissue or press down on the nerve parts that carry signals.</p> <p>Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete. With a complete spinal cord injury, the cord can't send signals below the level of the injury. As a result, you are <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/paralysis.html">paralyzed</a> below the injury. With an incomplete injury, you have some movement and sensation below the injury.</p> <p>A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can reduce long-term effects. Treatments may include medicines, braces or traction to stabilize the spine, and surgery. Later treatment usually includes medicines and rehabilitation therapy. <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/mobilityaids.html">Mobility aids</a> and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/assistivedevices.html">assistive devices</a> may help you to get around and do some daily tasks.</p> <p class="attribution">NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke</p></div> </section> <a name="cat_51"></a> <section id="cat_51_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header expanded"> <div class="section-title syndicate"> <h2>Start Here </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section51" class="section-body expanded syndicate" aria-expanded="true"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/spinalinjury/conditioninfo" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="108291" data-org="NICHD">About Spinal Cord Injury</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://espanol.nichd.nih.gov/salud/temas/spinalinjury/informacion" data-sid="126969">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.uab.edu/medicine/sci/faqs-about-spinal-cord-injury-sci" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="106660" >FAQs about Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (University of Alabama at Birmingham)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders/spinal-cord-disorders/overview-of-spinal-cord-disorders" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="102519" >Overview of Spinal Cord Disorders</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Merck & Co., Inc.)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.merckmanuals.com/es-us/hogar/enfermedades-cerebrales-medulares-y-nerviosas/trastornos-de-la-m%C3%A9dula-espinal/introducci%C3%B3n-a-los-trastornos-de-la-m%C3%A9dula-espinal" data-sid="126968">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/spinal-cord-injury" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="35563" data-org="NINDS">Spinal Cord Injury</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20377890?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="48933" >Spinal cord injury - Symptoms and causes</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20377890?p=1" data-sid="135628">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_92"></a> <section id="cat_92_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Diagnosis and Tests </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section92" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/spinalinjury/conditioninfo/diagnosed" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="108292" data-org="NICHD">How Is Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Diagnosed?</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://espanol.nichd.nih.gov/salud/temas/spinalinjury/informacion/diagnostica" data-sid="126971">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/spinemr" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="45530" >Spine MRI</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.radiologyinfo.org/es/info/spinemr" data-sid="57706">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_78"></a> <section id="cat_78_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Treatments and Therapies </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section78" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-spinal-injury/basics/ART-20056677?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="35569" >Spinal Injury: First Aid</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/first-aid/first-aid-spinal-injury/basics/art-20056677?p=1" data-sid="135629">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/spinalinjury/conditioninfo/treatments" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="108293" data-org="NICHD">What Are the Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://espanol.nichd.nih.gov/salud/temas/spinalinjury/informacion/tratamientos" data-sid="126972">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_47"></a> <section id="cat_47_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Related Issues </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section47" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://sci.washington.edu/info/pamphlets/bladder.asp" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="73019" >Bladder Management</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://sci.washington.edu/info/pamphlets/depression_sci.asp" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="65946" >Depression and Spinal Cord Injury</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.als.org/navigating-als/resources/fyi-dressing-ease-style-and-comfort" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="47831" >Dressing with Ease, Style, and Comfort</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (ALS Association)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://sci.washington.edu/info/pamphlets/pressure_sores.asp" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="62606" >Taking Care of Pressure Sores</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://sci.washington.edu/info/pamphlets/bowels_1.asp" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="65948" >Taking Care of Your Bowels -- The Basics</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_42"></a> <section id="cat_42_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Specifics </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section42" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/central-cord-syndrome" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="36618" data-org="NINDS">Central Cord Syndrome</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/central-pain-syndrome" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="9404" data-org="NINDS">Central Pain Syndrome</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/spinal-cord-infarction" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="38161" data-org="NINDS">Spinal Cord Infarction</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_94"></a> <section id="cat_94_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Videos and Tutorials </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section94" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://facingdisability.com/expert-topics/preventing-pressure-sores" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="98911" >Preventing Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="20" height="16" alt="Video" title="Video" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/videocamera.gif" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (Hill Foundation for Families Living with Disabilities)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://facingdisability.com/expert-topics/spinal-cord-injury-101" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="98909" >Spinal Cord Injury Basics</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="20" height="16" alt="Video" title="Video" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/videocamera.gif" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (Hill Foundation for Families Living with Disabilities)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://facingdisability.com/expert-topics/the-basics-of-sci-rehabilitation" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="99038" >Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Basics</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="20" height="16" alt="Video" title="Video" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/videocamera.gif" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (Hill Foundation for Families Living with Disabilities)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_27"></a> <section id="cat_27_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Clinical Trials </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section27" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=%22Spinal+Cord+Injuries%22&aggFilters=status:not%20rec" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="27222" data-org="NIH">ClinicalTrials.gov: Spinal Cord Injuries</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institutes of Health)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_59"></a> <section id="cat_59_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Journal Articles <span class="subheading">References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)</span> </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section59" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39358836" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="6124" >Article: The effect of home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation-resistance training and protein supplementation...</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39315626" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="6124" >Article: Enhancing upper extremity muscle strength in individuals with spinal cord injury...</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39266672" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="6124" >Article: A home-based self-directed EEG neurofeedback intervention for people with chronic neuropathic...</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22Spinal+Cord+Injuries%22%5Bmajr%3Anoexp%5D+AND+humans%5Bmh%5D+AND+english%5Bla%5D+AND+%22last+1+Year%22+%5Bedat%5D+AND+%28patient+education+handout%5Bpt%5D+OR+guideline%5Bpt%5D+OR+clinical+trial%5Bpt%5D%29++NOT+%28letter%5Bpt%5D+OR+case+reports%5Bpt%5D+OR+editorial%5Bpt%5D+OR+comment%5Bpt%5D%29+AND+free+full+text%5Bsb%5D+" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="6124" >Spinal Cord Injuries -- see more articles</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_82"></a> <section id="cat_82_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Reference Desk </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section82" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-life-and-death-neuron" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="36092" data-org="NINDS">Brain Basics: The Life and Death of a Neuron</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/central-nervous-system.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="157974" >Central Nervous System: The Brain and Spinal Cord</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Nemours Foundation)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/central-nervous-system.html" data-sid="157975">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_83"></a> <section id="cat_83_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Find an Expert </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section83" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://members.aapmr.org/AAPMR/AAPMR_FINDER.aspx" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="3275" >Find a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="401" data-org="NINDS">National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/es" data-sid="67246">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_8"></a> <section id="cat_8_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Children </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section8" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/spinal-cord-injuries.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="152584" >Spinal Cord Injuries (For Parents)</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Nemours Foundation)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.girlshealth.gov/disability/types/spinal.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="67729" >Spinal Cord Injury</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_69"></a> <section id="cat_69_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Patient Handouts </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section69" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000133.htm" data-sid="84011" >Daily bowel care program</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000133.htm" data-sid="86685">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000144.htm" data-sid="84021" >Self catheterization - female</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000144.htm" data-sid="86810">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000143.htm" data-sid="84020" >Self catheterization - male</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000143.htm" data-sid="86694">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007560.htm" data-sid="106217" >Spinal cord stimulation</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/007560.htm" data-sid="106296">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001066.htm" data-sid="81623" >Spinal cord trauma</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/001066.htm" data-sid="52649">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000029.htm" data-sid="80964" >Spinal injury</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000029.htm" data-sid="52650">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000145.htm" data-sid="84022" >Suprapubic catheter care</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000145.htm" data-sid="86811">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> </div> <div class="side"> <aside> <section id="ht-img-section"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header hide-offscreen"> <h2>Topic Image</h2> </div> <div class="section-body no-header"> <img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/SpinalCordDiseases.jpg" title="Spinal Cord Injuries" alt="Spinal Cord Injuries" /> </div> </div> </section> <section id="encyclopedia-box"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header red"> <h2>MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA</h2> </div> <div id="more_encyclopedia" class="section-body"> <ul> <li><a data-sid="82226" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001431.htm">Autonomic dysreflexia</a></li> <li><a data-sid="81625" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001068.htm">CSF leak</a></li> <li><a data-sid="84011" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000133.htm">Daily bowel care program</a></li> <li><a data-sid="84017" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000140.htm">Indwelling catheter care</a></li> <li><a data-sid="83786" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007352.htm">Lumbar MRI scan</a></li> <li><a data-sid="84021" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000144.htm">Self catheterization - female</a></li> <li><a data-sid="84020" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000143.htm">Self catheterization - male</a></li> <li><a data-sid="106217" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007560.htm">Spinal cord stimulation</a></li> <li><a data-sid="81623" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001066.htm">Spinal cord trauma</a></li> <li><a data-sid="80964" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000029.htm">Spinal injury</a></li> </ul><ul class="more-links"> <li><a data-sid="84022" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000145.htm">Suprapubic catheter care</a></li> <li><a data-sid="88631" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007442.htm">Thoracic spine CT scan</a></li> <li><a data-sid="83496" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003981.htm">Urinary catheters</a></li> <li><a data-sid="84019" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000142.htm">Urine drainage bags</a></li> </ul> <div aria-live="polite" class="live-area hide-offscreen"></div> <button class="more-btn" role="button" aria-controls="more_encyclopedia" type="submit"> <span class="more">Show More</span><span class="more icon icon-more"></span> <span class="less">Show Less</span><span class="less icon icon-more"></span> </button> </div> </div> </section> <section id="related-topics"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header"> <h2>Related Health Topics</h2> </div> <div class="section-body"> <ul id="related"> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/paralysis.html">Paralysis</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <section id="primary-institute-section"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header"> <h2>National Institutes of Health</h2> </div> <div class="section-body"> The primary NIH organization for research on <span class="italic">Spinal Cord Injuries</span> is the <a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/" target="TheNewWin">National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke</a> </div> </div> </section> <section> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header hide-offscreen"> <h2>Disclaimers</h2> </div> <div class="section-body no-header"> MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. MedlinePlus also links to health information from non-government Web sites. See our <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/disclaimers.html">disclaimer</a> about external links and our <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/criteria.html">quality guidelines</a>. </div> </div> </section> </aside> </div> <div class="page-action-bottom"> <div class="page-actions"></div> </div> </article> </div> <p>The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.</p> <div id="citation-how-to"> <button><span>Learn how to cite this page</span></button> </div> </div> <footer> <div id="mplus-footer"> <div class="footer1"> <ul class="secondarynav"> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/about/">About MedlinePlus</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/whatsnew/">What's New</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/sitemap.html">Site Map</a></li> <li><a href="https://support.nlm.nih.gov/knowledgebase/category/?id=CAT-01231&category=medlineplus&from=https%3A//medlineplus.gov/spinalcordinjuries.html" target="_blank"><span>Customer Support</span></a></li> </ul> <ul class="follow-footer"> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/rss.html" class="follow-item">Subscribe to RSS<img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/feed.png" class="social-media-toolkit-icon" alt="RSS" title="RSS"></a> </li> <li> <span class="follow-label">Follow us</span> <a href="https://twitter.com/medlineplus" class="follow-item" target="_blank"> <img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/i_share_twitter.png" class="follow-icon" alt="X" title="X"> </a> <a href="https://facebook.com/Mplus.gov/" class="follow-item" target="_blank"> <img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/i_share_fb.png" class="follow-icon" alt="Facebook" title="Facebook"> </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mplusgov/" class="follow-item" target="_blank"> <img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/Instagram_Glyph_Gradient_RGB.png" class="follow-icon" alt="Instagram" title="Instagram"> </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/social-media-toolkit/" class="social-media-toolkit-item">Social Media Toolkit<img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/i_social_media_toolkit.png" class="social-media-toolkit-icon" alt="Social Media Toolkit" title="Social Media Toolkit"></a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="footer2"> <ul> <li><a href=" https://www.nlm.nih.gov/web_policies.html" target='_blank'>NLM Web Policies</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/about/using/usingcontent/" >Copyright</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/accessibility.html">Accessibility</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/about/using/criteria/">Guidelines for Links</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/plugins.html">Viewers & Players</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/index.html" target="_blank">HHS Vulnerability Disclosure</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/medlineplus-connect/">MedlinePlus Connect for EHRs</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/about/developers/">For Developers</a></li> </ul> <div class="address"> <a href="https://www.nlm.nih.gov" target="_blank">National Library of Medicine</a> <span>8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894</span> <a href="https://www.hhs.gov" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Health and Human Services</a> <a href="https://www.nih.gov" target="_blank">National Institutes of Health</a> </div> <div class="date"> <span id="lastupdate">Last updated November 22, 2016</span> </div> <div class="return-top"><a href="#top" title="Return to top"><img class="return-top-icon" alt="Return to top" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/return-top.png"></a></div> </div> </div> </footer> </div> <script src="https://medlineplus.gov/jslib/jquery-3.6.0.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="https://medlineplus.gov/jslib/mplus-frontend-controls-new.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="https://medlineplus.gov/jslib/mplus-share.js?id=1112022" type="text/javascript"></script>  <script src="https://medlineplus.gov/jslib/control.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="https://medlineplus.gov/uswds/js/uswds.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script type='application/ld+json'> [ { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalWebPage", "name": "Spinal Cord Injuries", "description": "Spinal cord injuries disrupt signals between your brain and body. This can cause problems like weakness and paralysis. Read about treatment and rehab.", "mainContentOfPage": "Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of your back. It carries signals back and forth between your body and your brain. A spinal cord injury disrupts the signals. Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a blow that fractures (breaks) or dislocates your vertebrae, the bone disks that make up your spine. Most injuries don\u0027t cut through your spinal cord. Instead, they cause damage when pieces of vertebrae tear into cord tissue or press down on the nerve parts that carry signals.\u000A\u000ASpinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete. With a complete spinal cord injury, the cord can\u0027t send signals below the level of the injury. As a result, you are paralyzed below the injury. With an incomplete injury, you have some movement and sensation below the injury.\u000A\u000AA spinal cord injury is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can reduce long\u002Dterm effects. Treatments may include medicines, braces or traction to stabilize the spine, and surgery. Later treatment usually includes medicines and rehabilitation therapy. Mobility aids and assistive devices may help you to get around and do some daily tasks.\u000A\u000ANIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke", "primaryImageOfPage": { "@type": "ImageObject", "contentUrl": "https://medlineplus.gov/images/SpinalCordDiseases.jpg" }, "url": "https://medlineplus.gov/spinalcordinjuries.html" } ] </script> </body> </html>

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