To Table of Contents
Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord is a thick bundle of nerves that connects the brain to the rest of the body . It acts as an information highway , sending messages back and forth . A spinal cord injury , or SCI , refers to damage to the spinal cord . This can lead to a loss of muscle movement , called paralysis , and a loss of sensation . It can also affect basic body functions like urination , blood pressure , and breathing .
The effect of a spinal cord injury depends on the level of the spinal cord that is damaged , as well as the degree of damage . The injury can happen in your neck , back , or lower back . The higher the injury , the more parts of the body are likely to be affected . If the injury is at the level of your back or lower back , the muscles in your legs and possibly your trunk may be affected . When you experience paralysis in your lower body , this is called paraplegia . A higher injury , at the level of the neck , can affect the hands , arms & breathing muscles in addition to the trunk and legs . This is called quadriplegia or tetraplegia .
In Canada , there are approximately 86,000 people living with an SCI . It is estimated that there are 12,000 people in BC living with an SCI and this number continues to grow annually .
Spinal Cord Injury BC ( SCI BC ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities , adjust , adapt , and thrive . Our vision is that all British Columbians with spinal cord injuries and their families have the support and knowledge they need to live well and be active participants in their communities .
Since 1957 , we have been working towards this vision through two core programs : our Peer Support Services and Information Services .
Our Peer Support Services , also known as our Peer Program , provides social connections , mentoring , community events , and unique life experiences to individuals with a spinal cord injury or a related disability , and their families and friends .
Our Information Services help people access all kinds of info relevant to living well with a spinal cord injury .
We provide a free online SCI Info Database of over 800 resources and operate a toll-free InfoLine to answer questions and provide support Monday-Friday .
Learn more about SCI BC www . sci-bc . ca
You are encouraged to visit the
Living with SCI website to learn more about spinal cord injury , how your body works after an injury , and access helpful tools and resources .