Some accidents may fracture or dislocate the bones of the spinal column, causing spinal cord injury. Diving into shallow water, falls, or vehicular accidents are examples. Gunshot, stab, or other wounds can penetrate the spinal cord. Sometimes the spinal cord injury occurs more slowly, such as when a tumor grows into the spinal cord. Injury to the spinal cord may cause paralysis.
Paralysis prevents movement of one or more parts of the body.
It may be permanent or resolve over time. The affected part of the body can also lose the sense of touch. This is permanent if the injury cuts or crushes the spinal cord. All the muscles below the point of injury can lose movement. Injury at the middle or lower back affects the lower body and legs.