And occasionally these injuries are fatal. The spinal cord connects the brain to all of the peripheral nerves. All motor and sensory functions from the neck down are transmitted through this vital structure.
Spine injuries can involve the vertebrae or the spinal cord, or both.
When the cord is damaged, the injuries are described as complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury is the most severe form of injury, such that the cord is essentially transected and no impulses can get above the level of the injury. An incomplete injury means impulses are still being transmitted through the injury site to and from the extremities and the brain. Complete injuries have poor recovery rates. Incomplete injuries allow some recovery of function, which, occasionally, can be dramatic.