The spinal cord is the long tube of nerves extending from the brain down to the level of the lower back. It is basically the wires our brains use to control our bodies. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) usually occur following traumas, for example, due to motor vehicle crashes or recreational activities in younger people; however, they could also occur due to falls in elderly individuals (1).

These injuries mostly occur when parts of the vertebrae surrounding the cord are fractured or dislocated. This causes direct bruising or tearing within the spinal cord – and the connection is either partially or totally severed. Spinal injuries usually cause significant physical and psychological impairment that could lead to permanent functional disability and a reduction of the quality of life of affected individuals (2).