There are approximately 8,000 spinal cord injuries in the United Slates each year. Researchers believe that this number is significantly on the lower end. The total number of persons with disabilities. In essence, they are basically normal people who just happen to have a physical impairment that can be an inconvenience but not necessarily a handicap. Spinal Cord Injury is caused by damage to the spinal cord that results in paralysis to certain parts of the body and corresponding loss of sensation.
Paraplegia refers to any level of paralysis occurring from below the arms down.
They have complete use of their arms but their legs are paralyzed and their torsos may be paralyzed depending on the place that the spinal chord was injured. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of SCI at 50 percent, followed by falls at 20 percent, act of violence are 15 percent and sportsrelated injuries are 15 percent. Falls overtake motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause after age 45. Acts of violence and sports cause less injuries as age increases. Overall, slightly more than one-half of all injuries result in quadriplegia.