Pain. Some people have pain, such as muscle or joint pain, from overuse of particular muscle groups. Nerve pain can occur after a spinal cord injury, especially in someone with an incomplete injury.

Is spinal injury painful?

Pain is a serious problem for many people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Pain after SCI can occur in parts of the body where there is normal sensation (feeling) as well as areas that have little or no feeling. The pain is very real and can have a negative impact on quality of life.

How do you know if your spinal cord is injured?

In complete spinal cord injuries, the spinal cord is fully severed and function below the injury site is eliminated. In comparison, incomplete SCIs occur when the spinal cord is compressed or injured, but the brain's ability to send signals below the site of the injury is not completely removed.