The spinal cord is a long tube-like band of tissues housed within the back bone.It extends from the lower part of the brain, moves down through the neck and upper back, and terminates in the lower back.It is a part of the central nervous system and is covered by a bony structure called the vertebral column.
The spinal cord sends and receives signals between the brain and the rest of the body thereby controlling body movement, sensation etc.A spinal cord injury involves damage to any part of the spinal cord.
The injury often causes permanent changes in strength, movement, feeling and other body functions below the site of the injury.The injury can be as a result of road traffic accidents, fall, gun shot, physical assault, and diseases such as tumor of the spine, tuberculosis of the spine etc.People who have had spinal cord injury also may experience mental, emotional and social side effects.
