What is the Spinal Cord?

An individual’s spinal cord is one of two structures that constitute the central nervous system; the other is the brain.

Whereas the brain generates the “commands” for movement and actions to be taken by parts of the body and also receives information from elsewhere in the body, the spinal cord transmits those commands and information. Therefore, the spinal cord may be thought of as the highway that carries data to and from the brain.

The data that flows through the spinal cord is neurologic in nature because it is generated by or must be processed by the brain. The data flows to and from the brain by means of nerves. Consequently, a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) involves the disruption or cessation of the flow of data between the brain and a portion of an individual’s body. For that reason, an SCI is a catastrophic injury. It requires neurorehabilitation and myriad neurological interventions, physical rehabilitation, and, once an individual has been medically stabilized, an array of other post-acute rehabilitation.

The spinal cord itself is a bundle of soft nerve fibers that is encased in the hard spinal column. The point of attachment of the spinal cord with the brain is the brain stem. The brainstem is composed of three parts:

• Medulla oblongata: Controls heart rate, breathing, respiratory functions and blood pressure; it is located at the lower part of the brain and therefore is essentially a continuation of the spinal cord;
• Pons: Located between the medulla and the midbrain. It is a pathway for nerve signals, facilitates signals out of the brain and into the face and ears, and is involved with hearing and consciousness;
• Midbrain: Primarily involved with processing visual and auditory data.

As protection, the soft spinal cord is surrounded by the spinal column comprised of stacked bones called “vertebrae.” Between the vertebrae are softer cartilage discs. In the spaces between the discs are small passages through which the nerves of the spinal cord can exit to other parts of the body (such as to an arm to allow its movement).

The vertebrae constituting the spinal column are categorized and named according to location along the length of the spinal cord from top to bottom. They are:

• Cervical vertebrae (1–7): neck;
• Thoracic vertebrae (1–12): upper back;
• Lumbar vertebrae (1–5): low back;
• Sacral vertebrae (1–5): hip area; and
• Coccygeal vertebrae (1–4): fused and constitute the “tail bone.”

The spinal nerves and the specific signals they control are categorized in a similar way:

• Cervical spinal nerves (C1–C8): back of the head, the neck, shoulders, arms, hands and diaphragm;
• Thoracic spinal nerves(T1–T12): a portion of the back, the chest muscles and sections of the abdomen;
• Lumbar spinal nerves (L1–L5): lower parts of the back and abdomen, to the buttocks, parts of the leg and some parts of the genitals; and
• Sacral spinal nerves (S1–S5): thighs and lower leg, the feet and the area surrounding the anus.

Once the individual who sustained the SCI is medically stable and becomes a Client of NeuLife Rehab in Mount Dora, Florida for post-acute rehabilitation, he or she undergoes a comprehensive assessment with a Client Goal Plan meeting established for review by the Client, family members, nurse case manager and other appropriate parties, at an initial Client Goal Plan Conference scheduled less than one week following admission. Each Client Goal Plan includes clinical needs for rehabilitation and covers personal goals and preferences of the Client. Therapies are provided by NeuLife full-time staff members who are Florida licensed and/or certified professionals including, but not limited to:

• Board Certified Neurologist
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• Board Certified Physiatrist
• Neuropsychologist
• Psychologist
• Board Certified Psychiatrist
• Speech-Language Pathologist/Cognitive Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Nurses
• Certified Rehab Counselor

These professionals and all other members of the NeuLife Rehab multidisciplinary team are devoted to their calling to helping individuals with catastrophic injuries in this highly specialized program. This is fully in keeping with NeuLife’s dedication to consistently provide the highest standard of care in the delivery of clinically relevant services. NeuLife Rehab strives to achieve successful, sustained outcomes and exceed the expectations of all persons served.

Proper and timely post-acute rehabilitation that may determine the difference between disability and independence is what NeuLife refers to as the “platinum post-acute period” — the crucial window following acute care that is needed to nurture the whole person to health with specialized, clinically relevant services.

NeuLife’s philosophy is that healing, wellness and personal fulfillment are best achieved in a positive and uplifting therapeutic environment where caring staff encourages, assists and supports each Client so he or she may achieve specific goals. NeuLife believes personal fulfillment is equally as important as goals to achieve function and independence.

NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is an accessible residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Amputations, Burns, other Catastrophic Injuries and Challenging Diagnoses.

2725 Robie Avenue

Mount Dora, Florida 32757