What is the spine?

The spine consists of a chain of bony rings called vertebrae which provide support for our whole body, linking head, shoulders, chest and pelvis. It is strong (to support the body weight), supple (discs between the vertebra absorb shock) and flexible (to allow turning and bending). Because the spinal cord is such an important part of our nervous system, it is surrounded and protected by the spine.

There are 33 vertebrae which are divided into these major sections:

CERVICAL (neck) which has seven vertebrae.

THORACIC (chest) which has 12 vertebrae.

LUMBAR (lower back) which has five vertebrae.

SACRAL section which has five vertebrae.

TAIL BONE/COCCYX which has four vertebrae (fused together).

Understanding Spinal Cord Injury

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What is Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal cord injury occurs when there is any damage to the spinal cord that blocks communication between the brain and the body.
What is the spinal cord?

The spinal cord is about as thick as a finger and some twenty inches long. It is a part of your nervous system, made up of bundles of nerve fibres carrying messages from the brain to all parts of the body.
Post injury

Injuries to the spinal cord do not usually cut through the cord. However, they do cause damage to the thin, fibrous nerve fibres within the spinal column. The most obvious effect of spinal cord injury is the reduced ability to move and feel things below the level of injury.