Spinal cord injuries can be directly caused by trauma damaging the spinal cord, or they can be caused by secondary damage after the bones of the spinal column are injured by direct trauma, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The human spinal column is made of 31 separate bones, called vertebrae. Each vertebra is attached to the one beside it and can move in relationship to the other bones in the spine. Inside the bony column created by the vertebrae runs the spinal cord, a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits signals from the brain to every part of the body.
Damage to the spinal cord can occur at any point between the base of the skull, where the spinal cord enters the brain, to the end of the spinal cord at the lower back. New Hampshire spinal cord injuries can range from mild to severe. Severe spinal cord damage can cause paralysis of any body part or combination of body parts, including internal organs like the digestive system. Less severe damage may still leave an injured person with difficulties performing basic movements or with chronic, debilitating pain.
The CDC estimates that 46 percent of spinal cord injuries occur during motor vehicle accidents. Falling accounts for another 22 percent of spinal cord injuries, and intentional violence adds another 16 percent. The remaining 12 percent mostly occur during sporting events.
Spinal cord injury can radically change a person’s health and path in life. If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident, the experienced New Hampshire injury lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. may be able to help. To learn more, call us today for a free and confidential phone consultation. Our free injury helpline is (888) 332-5855.