5-13. INJURY TO THE SPINAL CORD

A number of injuries to the spinal cord are possible as the direct result of an accident. The resulting dysfunction depends on the location of the spinal cord damage. Symptoms of spinal cord trauma can occur in body parts below the site at which injury to the spinal cord occurred.

a. Types of Spinal Cord Damage as a Direct Result of an Accident. Included are the following:

(1) Cutting of the spinal cord --complete or incomplete.

(2) Pinching of the spinal cord -- with or without vertebral displacement.

(3) Stretching of the spinal cord.

(4) Compression fractures of vertebrae in the spinal cord.

(5) Displacement of vertebrae -- small or complete.

(6) Bruise of the spinal cord.

(7) Overstretching and other damage to ligaments and muscles involved in the spinal cord.

b. Spinal Cord Injury and Resulting Dysfunction. Trauma to the spinal cord can affect all the body systems -- motor system, sensory system, and autonomic system. The part of the spinal cord damaged determines the resulting dysfunction. Look at the following:

(1) Cervical cord injuries. Injuries to the eight pairs of cervical nerves cause:

(a) Paralysis of all the extremities and the body trunk. Initially, the muscles become flaccid (soft), and later they become spastic.

(b) Bowel and bladder involvement and dysfunction.

(c) Respiratory failure.

(2) Thoracic cord injuries. Injuries to the 12 pairs of thoracic nerves cause:

(a) Paralysis of the lower extremities.

(b) Paralysis of the bladder and rectum.

(c) Pain to the chest or back.

(d) Abdominal distention.

(3) Lumbar cord injuries. Injuries to the five pairs of lumbar nerves cause:

(a) Paralysis of the lower extremities.

(b) Paralysis of the bladder and the rectum.

NOTE: Lumbar cord injuries cause the affected muscles to become flabby and limp. The severity of the lumbar cord injuries determines sensory perception and muscle group damage.

Figure 5-2. Front and side view of the vertebral column.