Spinal cord disorders are injuries and diseases that damage the spinal cord, which carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt these signals, which can affect bodily functions and cause permanent disability. Some spinal cord disorders originate outside the spinal cord. These include disorders caused by spinal injuries or compression of the spinal cord. The spinal cord may be compressed by bone due to a fracture or degenerative condition, a hematoma, an abscess, or a ruptured or herniated disc. Less often, spinal cord disorders originate inside the spinal cord due to conditions such as inflammation, tumors, abscesses, autoimmune diseases, and bleeding.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the damage to the spinal cord. They may include:

• Back pain
• Changes in reflexes
• Diminished sweating
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Loss of sensation
• Paralysis
• Weakness