A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord. It’s an extremely serious type of physical trauma that’s likely to have a lasting and significant impact on most aspects of daily life.
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves and other tissue that the vertebrae of the spine contains and protects. The vertebrae are the bones stacked on top of each other that make up the spine. The spine contains many nerves, and extends from the brain’s base down the back, ending close to the buttocks.
The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages from the brain to all parts of the body. It also sends messages from the body to the brain. We are able to perceive pain and move our limbs because of messages sent through the spinal cord.
If the spinal cord sustains an injury, some or all of these impulses may not be able to “get through.” The result is a complete or total loss of sensation and mobility below the injury.
In addition to falls, accidents, violence, and sports/recreation injuries, SCI can also be caused by so-called ‘non-traumatic’ cord injury. Examples include:
- Infection of the spinal nerve cells (bacterial and viral)
- Cysts or tumors pressing on the spinal cord
- Interruption of the blood supply to the spinal cord
- Congenital medical conditions that affect the structure of the spinal column, e.g., spinal bifida
Clinical Information Related to Spinal Cord Injury and Medical Marijuana
- Early Endogenous Activation of CB1 and CB2 Receptors After Spinal Cord Injury is a Protective Response Involved in Spontaneous Recovery
- Endocannabinoids and Pain: Spinal and Peripheral Analgesia in Inflammation and Neuropathy
TO ILLNESSES TREATABLE WITH MARIJUANA
TO COMMON HEALTH CONDITIONS & CANNABIS