However, the nerve tissue in the spinal cord which is also damaged when the spine is broken, will not mend. It is this nerve damage which causes the permanent loss of function and results in the conditions known as paraplegia or quadriplegia . These conditions may also result from medical conditions, such as a tumour or abscess which result in spinal damage. This damage can cause permanent loss of feeling and movement in the legs, arms and trunk. It can also mean the loss of bowel, bladder and local sexual function.
Paraplegia involves a loss of sensation and movement in the legs and in part or all of the trunk.
This varies according to the level of the injury. Generally, the lower the injury, the less the loss of movement and sensation. Paraplegia usually results from an injury to the spinal cord in the mid and lower back. Quadriplegia normally means a loss of sensation and movement in all four limbs and the trunk. This generally results from a spinal cord injury to the neck.