--- title: "5 Inspirational Documentaries: Life After SCI" description: Spinal cord injury breakthroughs are happening all the time and there’s every reason to abandon your perpetually bleak attitude in favor of something more positive. image: http://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/img/%205-Inspirational-Documentaries-Life-After-SCI-Blog-IMG.png --- [![spinalcord logo desktop](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ![spinalcord logo mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-white_png.png) ](https://www.spinalcord.com/) MENU ** ![spinal cord logo slide out mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ** [![Dale Swope](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dale-img-min.jpg?width=100&name=dale-img-min.jpg) The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com ** Play Dale Swope's Story ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) ![Spinalcord Logo](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-logo-icon-svg.svg) - [About](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/our-team) - [Trusted By](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by) - [Journal](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog) - [Spinal Cord Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury) - Spinal Injury Types - [What is Spinal Cord?](https://www.spinalcord.com/what-is-the-spinal-cord) - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Cervical Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/cervical-spinal-cord-injury) - [Thoracic Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/thoracic-spinal-cord-injury) - [Lumbar Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/lumbar-l1-l5-vertebrae-spinal-cord-injury) - [Sacral Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/sacral-spine-s1-s5-vertebrae-injuries-sacral-sparing) - Paralysis Types - [Paralysis](https://www.spinalcord.com/paralysis) - [Types of Paralysis](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-paralysis) - [Monoplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/monoplegia) - [Diplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/diplegia) - [Hemiplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/hemiplegia) - [Paraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/paraplegia) - [Quadriplegia | Tetraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/quadriplegia-tetraplegia) - Additional Info - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-non-traumatic-traumatic-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Mental Health Care After SCI](https://www.spinalcord.com/mental-health-care-after-sci) - [Life After SCI](https://www.spinalcord.com/life-after-a-spinal-cord-injury) - [Resources for Veterans](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/topic/veterans) - [Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-acquired-brain-injury) - Brain Injury Types - [Traumatic Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury) - [ Acquired Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/acquired-brain-injury) - [Anoxic Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/anoxic-brain-injury) - [Diffuse Axonal Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/diffuse-axonal-brain-injury) - [ Focal Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/focal-brain-injury) - [ Subdural Hematoma](https://www.spinalcord.com/subdural-hematoma) - [ Concussion](https://www.spinalcord.com/concussion) - [ Brain Aneurysm](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-aneurysm) - [ Coma](https://www.spinalcord.com/coma) - Lobes of the Brain - [ Brain Lobes Overview](https://www.spinalcord.com/lobes-of-the-brain) - [ Frontal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/frontal-lobe) - [ Parietal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/parietal-lobe) - [ Occipital Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/occipital-lobe) - [ Temporal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/temporal-lobe) - [ Limbic Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/limbic-lobe) - [ Insular Cortex](https://www.spinalcord.com/insular-cortex) - Additional Info - [Brain Injury Treatment](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-treatment/brain-injury-lab) - [ Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [ Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [ Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [ Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [ Resources For Veterans](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/best-resources-for-veterans-with-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Treatment ](https://www.spinalcord.com/treatment-for-brain-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Intensive SCI Rehabilitation Centers](https://www.spinalcord.com/intensive-sci-rehabilitation-centers) - [Technology Advancements ](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Activity Based Therapy Centers](https://www.spinalcord.com/activity-based-therapy-centers) - [Brain Injury Treatment](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-treatment/brain-injury-lab) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) - [Legal Options](https://www.spinalcord.com/legal-considerations-for-common-types-of-brain-and-spinal-cord-injuries) - Legal Assistance - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [When To Get A Lawyer - eBook](https://www.spinalcord.com/your-guide-to-knowing-when-to-get-a-lawyer) - [Speak With An Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) - [Protecting an Accident Scene](https://www.spinalcord.com/protecting-an-accident-crime-scene) - Legal Considerations - [Overview](https://www.spinalcord.com/legal-considerations-for-common-types-of-brain-and-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Car Accidents](https://www.spinalcord.com/car-accidents) - [Contact Sports](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-sports) - [Acts of Violence](https://www.spinalcord.com/acts-of-violence) - [Workplace Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/workplace-injuries) - [Slips and Falls](https://www.spinalcord.com/slips-and-falls) - [Contusions](https://www.spinalcord.com/contusions) - Personal Injury Claims - [Types](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [How to File a Personal Injury Claim](https://www.spinalcord.com/how-to-file-a-personal-injury-claim-for-a-brain-or-spinal-cord-injury) - [Resources](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-resources) - Coping & Support - [Survivor Stories](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/topic/survivor-stories-inspiration) - [Family & Friends](https://www.spinalcord.com/family-friends-of-brain-spinal-cord-injury-patients) - [Support Groups](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-support-groups) - [Support Groups Interactive Map](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-support-groups-map) - [Advocacy Groups](https://www.spinalcord.com/advocacy-groups) - Financial Resources - [Financial Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/financial-resources) - [Grants](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-grants) - [Compensation](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-compensation) - [Brain & SCI Medical Expenses](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-medical-expenses) - [Money Management Tips](https://www.spinalcord.com/money-management-tips) - [Life Care Plan](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-life-care-plan) - Legal Assistance - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Speak With An Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) - [Personal Injury Lawyer](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) - Digital Resources - [Frequently Asked Questions & Answers](https://www.spinalcord.com/frequently-asked-questions-and-answers) - [When To Get A Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/your-guide-to-knowing-when-to-get-a-lawyer) - [Organizing Life From A Hospital](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/traumatic-injury-digital-tools-organize-from-hospital) - [Free Brain and Spinal Cord eBooks](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-resources) - [Spinal Cord Infographics](https://www.spinalcord.com/infographics) - [SCI Life Uncovered Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1) - Local Resources - [Florida Spinal Cord Injury Resources ](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-sci-resources) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) - [Map of State Resources](https://www.spinalcord.com/state-programs) - [Community](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Trusted Organizations](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Events Calendar](https://www.spinalcord.com/events) - [Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1) - Recognition - [Best of Awards](https://www.spinalcord.com/best-of-awards) - [Trusted By Designation](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [** ](tel:8773367192) - [** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/5-inspirational-documentaries-life-after-sci#) - [** **(877) 336-7192** ](tel:8773367192) - [** **Contact Us** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) # 5 Inspirational Documentaries: Life After SCI Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) Publish Date: December 07, 2020 ![ 5-Inspirational-Documentaries-Life-After-SCI-Blog-IMG.png](http://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/img/%205-Inspirational-Documentaries-Life-After-SCI-Blog-IMG.png) As much as friends and family may try to relate, the aftermath of a spinal cord injury is something that only those who are living through can truly understand. Yet, following the emergence of such a severe medical condition, you may find yourself craving some way of seeing your struggle reflected back to you. There’s a real sense of community among those who have grappled with spinal cord injuries, and thankfully, many patients who are currently facing the very same questions that you are now have opened their hearts and fired up their computers to [document their journeys](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/best-blogs-by-spinal-cord-injury-survivors). While you undergo treatment and seek a new way of life, you’re liable to find yourself more and more drawn to stories about spinal cord injury patients who have prevailed despite their condition or, perhaps, found a way to channel their new lifestyle into something positive. This kind of inspiring real-life storytelling may do wonders for your perspective as you piece together your own future. As such, here are some inspirational documentaries centering on spinal cord injuries that could provide you with some uplift on your own journey. - **[Murderball](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436613/?ref_=nv_sr_1) **(2005): This Academy Award-nominated film centers on a group of physically disabled athletes who overcome their limitations to engage in the titular sport, also known as wheelchair rugby. The film follows the rivalry between the teams from the United States and Canada as they prepare for the 2004 Paralympic Games. A true charmer, this one garnered almost universally positive reviews from critics for its display of courage in the face of adversity. It very may well be the perfect story to help you realize that your spinal cord injury doesn’t have to mean your life comes to a screeching halt.    - **[Luckey](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1403857/?ref_=ttpl_pl_tt) **(2008): Rather than focus on a group of disabled individuals, this film focuses in on Tom Luckey, a sculptor and designer famous for designing climbing children’s playgrounds known as Luckey Climbers. Following a fall from a second-story window, Luckey wound up paralyzed from the neck down, and Luckey follows him and his family as they adjust to his condition. The film -- which had a successful run at film festivals -- particularly chronicles how the incident affects his business and how the Luckey family persisted through it to emerge stronger and more tightly woven than ever before. - **[Unbeaten](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1909360/?ref_=nv_sr_1) **(2009): Like Murderball, this film centers on a group of disabled athletes who refuse to yield to their condition. It follows 31 paraplegics across several days as they travel by wheelchair and hand cycle through the world’s toughest road race, extending a full 267 miles. Taking on a broad array of individuals’ stories, the film provides an extensive look at what happens when dedication and sheer force of will overcomes the supposed limitations of the human body. Fair warning: you may be inspired to take on a similarly imposing task as those featured in the film by the time it’s all over. - **[Endless Abilities](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3464182/?ref_=nv_sr_1)** (2013): Whereas many other documentaries focus on specific examples of individuals overcoming their physical disabilities to accomplish remarkable feats, this one follows a group of friends as they travel the country in search of recreational activities designed or adapted for the disabled. The purpose here is clear: to prove that everyone -- even those who have been disabled for decades -- can find a fulfilling way to remain physically active and an entirely new community they can be a part of. This is one film that is sure to open your eyes to a brave new world of possibilities available to disabled individuals. A real revelation that must be seen to be believed. - **[When I Walk](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1395808/?ref_=nv_sr_1) **(2013): Although Jason DaSilva’s physical disability is not the result of a car crash or a fall as so many spinal cord injuries are, his diagnosis of primary progressive multiple sclerosis has led to a debilitating condition nonetheless. This film -- co-written and directed by DaSilva himself -- tracks his personal relationships as his condition progresses and is a true testament to the strength of the human spirit. Debuting at the Sundance Film Festival, DaSilva’s story proves how essential a role a strong family unit can play in keeping your resilience up following such a serious medical diagnosis. ## After the Credits Once the credits roll on the above films, we’re certain that the stories depicted therein will provide you with the inspiration you need to view your own situation with fresh eyes. Sometimes, it takes a respite from your own reality to put your journey into perspective and provide you with the will and resolve you need to push forward and make the necessary adjustments you can to move forward into a brighter tomorrow. While your condition is unfortunate, [spinal cord injury breakthroughs](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/the-latest-medical-breakthroughs-for-spinal-cord-injuries) are happening all the time, and there’s every reason to abandon your perpetually bleak attitude in favor of something more positive. Sure, you could endlessly ruminate on the reality of your spinal cord injury, but such a stance will ultimately stifle your own happiness and prevent you from moving forward with the rest of your life. Seek inspiration wherever you can. You deserve to develop a happy life, especially after your incident. [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/14cceb84-a7ed-4155-b93f-cec1e3dbc15c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/14cceb84-a7ed-4155-b93f-cec1e3dbc15c) **Topics:** Injury Support & Groups, Survivor Stories & Inspiration, Recovery & Rehabilitation ### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries About the Author #### Spinal Cord Team The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. [Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) **Leave a Comment** [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a) true ### Spinal Cord Injury - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Brain Injury - [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Finding Treatment - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) ### Legal Options - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) #### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. [Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) ## [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) ![logo-footer-spinal-cord.png](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/logo-footer-spinal-cord.png?width=249&name=logo-footer-spinal-cord.png "logo-footer-spinal-cord.png") **  [877-336-7192](tel:8773367192) ** [support@spinalcord.com](mailto:support@spinalcord.com) [**](https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com/) [**](https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg) Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved. [Spinal Cord, Inc.](https://www.spinalcord.com) Sponsored by [Tampa personal injury lawyers](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) at Swope, Rodante P.A. a Florida law firm located at 1234 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/5-inspirational-documentaries-life-after-sci#) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/5-inspirational-documentaries-life-after-sci#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : "required name=search_query", "target" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/search?q={search_query}" }, "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-877-336-7192" } ], "legalName" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "logo" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom", "https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com" ], "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

\n\n

What Is a Spinal Contusion?

\n\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\"\n

Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

\n

For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

\n

A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

\n

Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For

\n

Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

\n

Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

\n\n

Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

\n

Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

\n

If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Spinalcord.com Team" }, "datePublished" : "2020-12-03", "image" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name" : "Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion" } ``` ```json { "@context":"https://schema.org", "@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Spinal Cord Inc", "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.", "inLanguage":"en-US"}, { "@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"Spinalcord Logo", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "width":327,"height":300, "caption":"spinal contusion"}, { "@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#webpage", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website"}, "primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#primaryimage"}, "datePublished":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00","dateModified":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00", "author":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors"}, "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals. What Is a Spinal Contusion? Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks. For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities. A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way. Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician. Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma: Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks Loss of bladder or bowel function Difficulty breathing Muscle spasticity Difficulty understanding speech Problems with attention Memory challenges Heart rate and blood pressure problems Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI. Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment. If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb"}, "inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"]}]}, { "@type":"BreadcrumbList", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem", "position":1, "item": { "@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/", "name":"Home"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":2, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "name":"Articles"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":3, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion"}}]}, {"@type":"Person", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors", "name":"Spinalcord Team", "image":{"@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "caption":"Spinalcord Team"}, "description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ." } ]} ```