The spinal column is made up of small, stacked bones called vertebrae separated by soft, shock-absorbing spinal discs. The spinal column protects the important bundle of nerves known as the spinal cord. When the spinal column experiences trauma, it can cause injuries to the vertebrae (bones), the discs between the bones, or to the spinal cord. The spinal cord can bruise (also known as a contusion) or to tear (a complete tear is known as a transection).
The location of the injury determines the impact on your child. Injuries that are higher up in the spinal column are typically more severe and can affect the use of the chest, arms and legs.