The spinal cord is a continuation of the brain with nerves radiating out into the rest of the body, relaying signals up and down the spinal cord. The spinal cord is entirely encased and protected within the spine (a flexible column of small bones), floating in cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions its movement.
Common causes of spinal cord injury include direct blunt trauma to the spine (e.g. fractured bone, sprained ligament), penetrating trauma (e.g. gunshot, knife wound), high-speed accidents, falls from a height, and sports injuries.
There is a tendency for men and adolescents to suffer from spinal cord injuries. Those who are active in sports and people with predisposing conditions such as arthritis, are at an increased risk.
Spinal cord injury is one of the most disabling conditions because damage may be permanent as the spinal cord and nerve cells cannot regenerate themselves.
Depending on the location and severity of the injury, casualties may feel pain at or below site of injury, tenderness over site of injury, absent or altered sensation (e.g. tingling in hands or feet), or impaired movement or paralysis below site of injury.
Casualties with a spinal injury must receive medical aid immediately.
References:
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk. Accessed 4 December 2007.
St John Ambulance Australia (2004) Australian First Aid, Chapter 8 - Head, neck and spinal injuries, 153-164.