What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) refers to damage to the nerves inside the spinal canal. These are the nerves that our housed inside the bones of the spine. Spinal cord injuries vary from a completely severed spinal cord to a damaged but intact spinal cord. The extent of the damage and the height of the injury or lesion affect the level of disability the individual might experience.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

Trauma such as a motor vehicle or sports accident is the most common cause of SCI. Other causes include medical conditions or other insult to the spinal cord.

Physiotherapy and Spinal Cord Injury

Physiotherapy cannot repair a spinal cord injury; however, your physiotherapist can help you regain as much function as possible. Your physiotherapist will also help you to safely adapt to new mobility aides such as a wheelchair.