What is spinal injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) happens if pressure is applied to the spinal cord, and/or the blood and oxygen supply to the cord is disrupted. This results in death of part of the spinal cord. During the accident that causes the injury, it is usually the case that the spinal column is violently bent forwards or backwards. The result can be that bones dislocate or fracture; bony fragments may press on the spinal cord causing damage; or the spinal cord may be stretched. It is estimated that in the U. S. there is approximately 12,000 new cases each year of spinal cord injury. The number of people in the United States who are alive in 2007 who have SCI has been estimated to be up to 300,938 persons. Since 2005, motor vehicle accidents account for 42% of reported SCI cases. The next most common cause of SCI is falls, followed by acts of violence (mainly gunshot wounds), and recreational sporting activities.
