The spine works as the main support for the spinal cord and the nerve pathways that carry information from the arms, legs, and rest of the body, and carries signals from the brain to the body. The spinal cord is surrounded by a clear fluid called Cerebral Spinal Fluid, that acts as a cushion to protect the delicate nerve tissues against damage from banging against the inside of the vertebrae.
The spinal cord is surrounded by rings of bone called vertebra. These bones constitute the spinal column. The spinal cord itself consists of millions of nerve fibers which transmit electrical information to and from the limbs, trunk and organs of the body, back to and from the brain.
The spinal cord nerves consist of:
- Dorsal Ramus: Provides sensory and motor information to the back of the body
- Ventral Ramus: Provides sensory and motor information to the front of the body
- T2-T12 are sensations of the trunk to the intercostals muscles
All other ventral rami form plexuses
- Cervical Plexus: (Nerves) (C1-C5)
- Phrenic Nerve: Keeps the diaphragm alive
- Brachial Plexus (C5-C8, T1)
- Axillary Nerve: Moves the shoulder
- Radial Nerve: Extends at the elbow and wrist
- Musculocutaneus Nerve: Flexes the wrist
- Ulnar Nerve: Flexes the fingers (“Musicians Nerve”)
- Lumbar Plexus: (L1-L4)
- Femoral Nerve: Extends the knee
- Sacral Plexus
- Sciatic Nerve: Flexes the knee and moves the ankle and toe
A traumatic spinal cord injury may stem from a sudden, traumatic blow to your spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes or compresses one or more of your vertebrae. Most spinal cord injuries are the result of accidents. Spinal cord injuries have been greatly reduced in the last few decades. However, there are some preventive measures that can be taken to help further reduce the risk. One should not participate in sports when one is ill. Discard and replace old or damaged protective equipment. Remain in control when skiing or performing gymnastics, diving, etc. One should always use proper technique, which includes:
- Never hit, block, or tackle with the top of your head/helmet
- Never slide head first when stealing a base
- Use a spotter for gymnastics
- Coaches should teach proper technique and prevention
- Penalties should be put in place when head first tackles are utilized
- Game officials should strictly enforce these penalties
- Athletic trainer should be available during games and practice
The effects of a spinal cord injury are:
- Paraparesis: A slight degree of paralysis affecting the lower extremities
- Paraplegia: Complete paralysis of both lower extremities and usually the lower trunk. The upper extremities are not involved.
- Quadriparesis: Partial paralysis of all four limbs (arms, legs)
- Quadriplegia (or Tetraplegia): Complete paralysis of all four limbs
Other terms used to describe neural dysfunction include:
- Paresis: Partial paralysis
- Paralysis: Partial or complete loss of motor function
- Paresthesias: Abnormal sensation such as burning or tingling
Although spinal cord injuries are rare, the end result is a traumatic change in the quality of life of the affected individual.
