Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
About Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is trauma or damage that results in temporary or permanent changes in the spinal cord’s normal motor, sensory, or autonomic function.
Frequent causes of SCI include motor vehicle crashes, falls, acts of violence (gunshot wounds), and sports and recreational activities.
The effects of SCI depend on the type of injury and the level of the injury.
SCI can be divided into two types of injury – complete and incomplete:
- A complete injury means that there is no sensation or voluntary movement below the level of the injury.
- An incomplete injury means that there is some functioning below the primary level of the injury. A person with an incomplete injury may be able to move one or more limbs or may be able to feel parts of the body that cannot be moved.
According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, nearly 1 person in 50 is living with paralysis.
To learn more: Visit Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association.
To connect with the national network of people living with paralysis, visit the Paralysis Resource Center at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
Spinal Cord Injury Information
Adjustment to Spinal Cord Injury
Resource guide on adjusting to a new spinal cord injury. How it impacts life, living, family and relationships.
Spinal Cord Injury Card for Primary Healthcare Providers
A reference card on common conditions subsequent to spinal cord injury and suggestions for prevention and intervention.
Spinal Cord Injury Facts and Figures at a Glance 2020
This data sheet is a quick reference on demographics and the use of services by people with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Spinal Cord Injury Research
New research related to spinal cord injury and paralysis.
Aging With a Spinal Cord Injury
Information and resources on how to age with a spinal cord injury.
Resource Guide on Injury Prevention
A resource guide on information and national organizations related to injury prevention.
SCI Resource: Rehabilitation Interventions and Therapies
Resource guide for survivors and family on different types of interventions and therapies for SCI and paralysis.
Veterans and Military Resources and Benefits
A list of national organizations and agencies who support Veterans and providing them with information and resources.
Native American Disability and Health Resources
A list of national organizations and agencies that provide supports and services to Native Americans on disability and health related issues.
Resource Guide on Domestic Violence and Disabilities
Suicide Prevention Resources and Hotlines
Resource guide on suicide prevention and education with a list of national organizations and hotline numbers.
PTSD and SCI: Information and Resources
Substance Abuse and Disability Resources
A list of resources and information on substance abuse and disability with national organizations contact information.
Resource Guide: Pain and SCI
Informational guide on pain management after SCI or paralysis with a list of resources and contact information.
Fact Sheet: Skin Management & Pressure Injuries
An informational fact sheet on how to properly care for your skin to help prevent pressure related injuries and SCI or paralysis.
Fact Sheet: Bladder Management & SCI
Information and resources on how to manage bladder care after SCI or paralysis.
Fact Sheet: Bowel Management & SCI
Information and resources on how to manage bowel care after SCI or paralysis.
SCI Fact Sheet: Sexuality and Fertility for Women
A resource fact sheet on sexuality and fertility for women after SCI or paralysis.
SCI Fact Sheet: Sexuality for Men
A resource fact sheet on sexuality after SCI or paralysis for men.
Arizona Disability Resources
A comprehensive list of resources in Arizona for all types of disability related issues.
Resource List: Adjustment to SCI
Resources and information on how to adjust to your new spinal cord injury.
Additional Resources
Listed below are online resources and information related to spinal cord injury and paralysis.
United Spinal Association
What is Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder?
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center
Living With SCI Resources
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Paralysis Resource Center
Craig Hospital
SCI Resource Library
Move United
Adaptive Sports
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Homepage
Travis Roy Foundation
SCI Overview and Resources
New Mobility
Homepage
U.S Department of Veterans Affairs
SCI System of Care Information