Spinal Cord Injury Awareness

Doctor holding a spinal column model with text: “Okay. Time for a lesson. This is the vertebrae and inside is your spinal cord.”
Illustration of patient Josh in bed with sick AF and sci allergies, asking, “I know, can I have it back?”
Illustrated doctor holding a spine model beside text: The entire spinal column consists of thirty-three individual bones called vertebrae, plus two sections of naturally fused vertebrae. All of these bones and sections are important to the spine's ability to function properly. Each vertebra has specific anatomical features and functions.
The first seven vertebrae make up the cervical spine. Injury here results in quadriplegia / tetraplegia which means that all four extremities are affected. The extent of impairment varies depending on the level of injury. Other functional changes include the loss of bowel and bladder function, as well as the potential for breathing/diaphragm impairments. Illustration of the cervical spine with a hand pointing to the vertebrae.
Diagram of the thoracic spine with fingers pointing to vertebrae. Text: “The next twelve vertebrae make up the thoracic spine. The corresponding nerves affect the muscles in the chest, mid-back and abdomen. Arm and hand function is often normal, but there can be impairment. Injury generally affects the trunk and legs, known as paraplegia.”
Diagram of the lumbar spine with fingers pointing to it. Text: “The next five vertebrae make up the lumbar spine. Injury here generally results in some loss of function in the hips and legs.”
Comic showing a spine diagram with text: “This last section is the sacrum and the coccyx.” “Doc, I came in because I had Covid and you removed my spine.” “Eh, eh, eh. Please don’t interrupt me.”
Text reads “I also have a little bit of literature if you want to do some light reading”; books titled Clinical Trials and Reha..., Neurogenic Bladder, Autonomic Dysreflexia: How to Treat It and Prevent It, So... You Shattered Your Spine. What’s Next?, How to Prevent Pressure Sores and Skin Breakdown, How to Bill Insurance, Neurogenic Bowel, and Mental Health & Support Groups.
Patient: Josh. Presents With: Sick AF & SCI. Allergies: Likely dairy. Pain Level: sad face. Now, any questions?
Comic for Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month: a doctor explains vertebrae and the spinal cord while holding a spine; a patient named Josh asks, “I know, can I have it back?” Text reads, “September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month!” and “Life keeps rolling.”

“Awareness is key. In the absence of information, none of us know what is happening and what could be jeopardizing our health…” – Erin Brockovich

This page is a compilation of past blog posts describing statistics and information about spinal cord injury. My goal is to provide awareness around the physicality of this injury and the secondary conditions that come with it. Thanks for being here.

Balancing Hope and Realism in Spinal Cord Injury Research

The journey through spinal cord injury recovery highlights the fluctuating landscape of potential treatments, from stem cell therapy to gene therapy, brain-computer interfaces, and pharmaceutical advancements. While optimism drives hope for breakthroughs, realistic expectations are essential. Finding balance between faith in science and current life circumstances fosters resilience and preparedness for future opportunities.

by Josh Keller

Spinal Cord Injury By the Numbers

September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, highlighting the impact of spinal cord injuries (SCI) on individuals and society. With around 302,000 cases in the U.S. and 15-20 million globally, injuries stem from various causes. Advances in care improve outcomes, underscoring the need for ongoing research and advocacy in this critical health area.

by Josh Keller

Autonomic Dysreflexia Revisited

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) occurs when the autonomic nervous system overreacts to stimuli below a spinal cord injury, causing symptoms like headaches, sweating, and blood pressure spikes, rather than typical pain. This response serves as an alarm to prevent complications. Recognizing individual symptoms can help manage and mitigate risks effectively.

by Josh Keller

The Analogy of the Brain and Guitar

Spinal cord injury disrupts communication between the brain and body, similar to a guitarist who cannot change notes due to his capo. The spinal cord functions as the main pathway for motor and sensory signals. Damage leads to paralysis or loss of sensation, preventing the brain’s signals from reaching their destinations.

by Josh Keller

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day 2025

May is significant for disability awareness, including Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Day, observed amidst Mobility and Mental Health Awareness Months. Spinal cord injuries, classified as complete or incomplete, cause various physical and psychological challenges. Awareness is essential to understanding these experiences and advocating for those living with SCI.

by Josh Keller

SCI Awareness

Part 1: SCI Awareness Month 2019 This month is represented by a green ribbon similar to the pink cancer ribbons and yellow “support our troops” ribbons. I remember making a similar post last year when it felt like I knew all that there was to know about spinal cord injuries. Making this one just goes…

by Josh Keller
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