A spinal cord injury (SCI) is caused by a sudden blow or cut to the spine. The result is a loss of function, such as mobility and/or feeling. A SCI often causes permanent loss of strength, sensation, and function below the site of the injury. Frequent causes of spinal cord injuries are trauma (car accidents, older adult falls, or sports) or disease (polio, spina bifida, or Friedreich's ataxia). Treatments may include drugs to reduce symptoms and surgery to stabilize the spine.

Research suggests that much of the excess mortality in patients with chronic SCI is related to potentially treatable factors. Recognition and treatment of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lung disease, together with smoking cessation substantially reduces mortality in patients with chronic SCI. Rehabilitation and assistive devices allow many people with spinal cord injuries to lead independent lives.