Spinal cord trauma refers to any physical damage to the spinal cord. It can be caused by direct injury to the spinal cord or injuries to the surrounding tissues, bones, and even blood vessels. There are quite a number of causes of spinal cord trauma. Trauma can result from accidents in motor vehicles, falls, some sporting events such as shallow water diving assaults and many more others. If the spine is weakened by diseases such as osteoporosis, minor injuries can cause spinal cord trauma.

In cases of aged people, narrowness of the spinal canal is another reason for spinal cord trauma. If the bones or discs are damaged, direct injuries such as tears can occur to the spinal cord. Compression, pressing, or pulling of the spinal cord can cause direct damage. For example, during an automobile accident the head and neck could be twisted beyond limit. Fluid accumulation, discharge of blood, and swelling can occur inside the spinal cord and cause an accumulation that compresses the spinal cord tissues resulting in pain and discomfort. Older persons who have weaker spines due to osteoporosis are also likely to have a spinal cord injury. Stroke is also a major cause of spinal injury especially if the patient suddenly falls on the ground.

Most people who suffer from spinal cord trauma are the young and healthy men aged between sixteen and thirty five. To reduce risks of getting spine injuries, you should avoid risky physical activities and always wear protective gear when performing physically demanding tasks or risky work. Symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the location of the injury. If a person is experiencing some weakness or sensory loss at or just below the area of injury then it is a common sign that the person has spinal cord injury. Any injury to the spinal column should be attended to by an orthopedic specialist to avoid serious complications.