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The injuries may vary in their locations depending on the severity. While higher-level injuries mostly affect the arms, hands, trunk, legs and pelvic organs, lower-level injuries influences only the legs, pelvic organs and trunk. Such discomfort can eventually lead to paralysis of four limbs, or of the lower limbs.

Symptoms - Loss of movement, sensation, bowel and bladder control, exaggerate reflexes, sexual dysfunction, stinging regular pain, breathing issues, cough are some of the many symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury. People with Emergency symptoms including severe pain in the neck, back, head, paralysis of part of the body, difficulty in movements, numbness, loss of sensation, must seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment - Though the pain management options for spinal cord injury are limited, advanced rehabilitation and experimental technologies help maintain the nerve functions. Once the patient is diagnosed, the spine should get immobilized with a stiff neck collar. Blood pressure must be thoroughly maintained after the injury to avoid further damage to the spine. Some emergency treatments include maintaining breathing ability, prevention of shock, keeping the neck immobilized and avoidance of blood clots. In some cases, steroid medication is applied for mild improvement in the condition. In order to stabilize the spine, doctors may use traction by attaching metal braces and weights to the skull. Surgery could be mandatory to remove fragments of bone, herniated discs, and fractured vertebrae to prevent future deformity. Following the treatment, the patient must begin a rehabilitation program.

Rehabilitation - During the stages of recovery, therapists and specialist work with the patients to help maintain and strengthen existing muscle function and make the patients learn basic tasks and new skills to deal with pain. Thanks to modern technology and equipment such as wheelchairs, computer adaptations, electronic aids, the individual can enjoy some independence living with the condition. In some cases, patients may be required to use Robotic exoskeletons to assist them, sit, stand upright and manage to walk a few steps.