The spinal cord is the body's main communication pathway, carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When this vital connection is injured, the effects can be life-changing. In this episode, we explain what a spinal cord injury is, how it occurs, and why the location and severity of the injury determine how much movement, sensation, and body function may be affected. You'll also learn the difference between complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries, and why early medical care is so important.

Using clear, easy-to-understand language, we discuss the common causes of spinal cord injuries, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, and non-traumatic conditions. We review how doctors evaluate these injuries with neurological examinations, imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI, and explain the di ...