Overview of Spinal Cord Disorders: Spinal Cord Disorders: Merck Manual Home Edition

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Overview of Spinal Cord Disorders: Spinal Cord Disorders: Merck Manual Home Edition

Overview of Spinal Cord Disorders

Causes of spinal cord disorders include injuries, infections, a blocked blood supply, and compression by a fractured bone or a tumor. Typically, muscles are weak or paralyzed, sensation is abnormal or lost, and controlling bladder and bowel function may be difficult. Doctors base the diagnosis on symptoms and results of a physical examination and imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging. The condition causing the spinal cord disorder is corrected if possible. Often, rehabilitation is needed to recover as much function as possible. The spinal cord is the main pathway of communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It is a long, fragile, tubelike structure that extends downward from the base of the brain. The cord is protected by the back bones (vertebrae) of the spine (spinal column). The vertebrae are separated and cushioned by disks made of cartilage.