Over 15,000 Australians live with a spinal cord injury
80% of spinal injury cases involved males
Majority of traumatic SPI are due to transport accidents
Spinal cord injuries are the result of damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves located at the end of the spinal canal. Spinal injuries often cause permanent changes in mobility, feeling, and strength below the site of the injury.
Common causes of a spinal injury include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, workplace accidents, physical assaults and diseases which affect the development of the spinal cord.
If you suspect a spinal injury, immediate medical evaluation is needed to treat the affected person. Do not move the affected person as this may result in permanent paralysis.
First, call 000. Keep the person still and place a heavy towel on either side of the neck or hold the head to prevent movement. Keeping the person’s head or neck immobilised is crucial to ensure no further damage is caused.
