Disorders

What is spinal cord injury?

Reviewed July 2026 by Divya Singhal, MD, FAAN

Definition: A spinal cord injury happens when damage to the spinal cord affects how messages travel between the brain and the rest of the body. This can change how you move, feel, and how your body functions below the level of the injury.

Spinal cord injuries may result from physical trauma, like a fall or car crash. They can also develop because of tumors, infections, or other conditions that affect the spinal cord.

Spinal cord injuries may be:

  • Complete, with no movement or feeling below the injury and significant changes in bladder and bowel function
  • Incomplete, with some movement or feeling remaining

Around 20.6 million people worldwide are living with spinal cord injuries, making this condition a major cause of long-term disability. Because people are living longer after being injured, more people are learning to manage and navigate life with long-term effects.

Spinal cord injuries can affect anyone, but they are more common in men. They tend to occur more often in people from 16 to 30 years old (who are more likely to be in accidents) and older adults (who are more likely to fall).

What are the symptoms of spinal cord injury?

Symptoms can vary depending on the neurological level (the lowest point on the body where muscle movement and feeling remain normal) and severity of the injury. They may include:

  • Loss of movement
  • Changes in feeling, such as touch or temperature
  • Pain or a burning or stinging sensation
  • Bladder or bowel problems
  • Trouble breathing or clearing the lungs
  • Muscle spasms or stronger-than-normal reflexes

Spinal cord injuries may also lead to:

  • Quadriplegia, affecting the arms, hands, torso, and legs
  • Paraplegia, mainly affecting the torso and legs

What are the causes and risk factors of spinal cord injury?

Spinal cord injury often happens suddenly, but some causes are preventable.

Common causes include:

  • Motor vehicle crashes
  • Falls
  • Violence, including gunshot wounds
  • Sports or recreational injuries

Around the world, falls and road injuries are leading causes of spinal cord injury. Taking simple safety steps—like using seatbelts, preventing falls, and using the proper sports safety gear—can help lower risk.

Spinal cord injury can affect anyone, but risk varies:

  • Men are affected more often than women
  • Younger people are more likely to be injured in accidents
  • Older adults are more likely to be injured from falls

Not all spinal cord injuries are caused by trauma. Some happen because of tumors or other changes in the spine over time.

How is spinal cord injury diagnosed?

Doctors use several tools to diagnose a spinal cord injury, including:

  • A neurological exam
  • Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans

An MRI can show damage to the spinal cord and surrounding tissue. It may help guide treatment decisions and recovery planning.

What treatments are available for spinal cord injury?

Treatment begins right away and focuses on stabilizing the spine and supporting breathing and blood flow.

Additional treatments may include:

  • Surgery to relieve pressure or stabilize the spine
  • Medicines to manage pain
  • Assistive devices
  • Rehabilitation, including physical therapy

Early care can improve outcomes. While full recovery is not always possible, treatment and rehabilitation can help people build independence and improve quality of life.

Caring for and navigating spinal cord injury

Explore practical tips, personal stories, and expert guidance for living well with spinal cord injury.

Frequently asked questions

Does a spinal cord injury always cause paralysis?

No. Some injuries are incomplete, which means some movement or feeling remains. Others are complete, with no movement or sensation below the injury.

How does the level of injury affect the body?

The location of the injury matters. Injuries higher in the spinal cord (near the neck) often affect more of the body, including the arms, legs, and lungs. Lower injuries may affect fewer areas, such as the lower torso and legs.

Doctors consider both the location and severity of injury when planning care.

What changes can I expect after a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury is often a long-term condition, affecting many parts of life.

You may experience:

  • Ongoing changes in movement or sensation
  • Health needs that require long-term care
  • Changes in daily routines and independence

Some people regain function, especially with incomplete injuries, while others have lasting changes. Support, treatment, and rehabilitation can help you adapt and maintain your health.

How will a spinal cord injury affect daily life?

A spinal cord injury can affect:

  • Movement and independence
  • Bladder and bowel control
  • Breathing
  • Risk of infections, pressure injuries, and chronic pain

Rehabilitation, assistive devices, and support can help you manage daily activities and stay engaged in what matters most to you.