Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal.

A traumatic spinal cord injury may occur because of a high impact injury or sudden blow to the spine.

A spinal cord injury often causes permanent loss of strength, sensation, and function below the site of the injury.

Rehabilitation and assistive devices allow many people with spinal cord injuries to lead productive, independent lives. Treatments include medicines to reduce symptoms and surgery to stabilize the spine.