The spinal cord is, quite literally, the central way in which the human body works. It is a key piece of the human puzzle, connecting the brain to the rest of the body via a massive network of nerves. The spinal cord can be damaged by multiple mechanisms including traumatic gunshot wounds, motor vehicle accidents, and falls, among others. When the spinal cord’s connection to the brain is interrupted due to a blood clot, that’s called a spinal cord stroke. A tumor or disease can also house itself in the spinal cord causing injury. All of these are serious. Spinal cord injuries, like those discussed above, can result in serious conditions for patients, such as paraplegia or other forms of paralysis. Patients with spinal cord injuries who experience paraplegia will have reduced limb function in their lower limbs. The terms tetraplegia and quadriplegia refer to someone who has paralysis in both their upper and lower limbs. This may mean that these individuals may need to use a wheelchair or other aids to get around, pick things up, or carry out other limb functions.
With that being said, a spinal cord injury that results in paraplegia or quadriplegia isn’t the end of the road—not by a long shot. First, with an increasing awareness of ableism in society, options are being opened up to people who use wheelchairs every day. Activists fighting for people with spinal cord injuries are making waves when it comes to awareness and legislation, and it’s easier than ever to avoid discrimination in the workplace and other places.
Alongside these societal advances, there are also innovations in medical treatment and physical therapy geared towards those with paraplegia or quadriplegia. Read on to learn about these advances and how they can aid in treating a serious spinal cord injury.