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Spinal Injuries Ireland was founded in 1993 to provide support and outreach services to people with spinal cord injuries, 95% of whom are wheelchair users. Based in the grounds of the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Spinal Injuries Ireland currently has over 1100 members and focuses on dealing with the emotional and practical issues facing people with spinal injuries, 80% of whom never return to work after their accidents.

The majority of spinal cord injuries occur as a result of road traffic, sporting and workplace accidents, leaving previously active people fighting to rebuild their lives while at the same time coming to terms with the reality of life in a wheelchair.

On average, one person a week is admitted to the NRH with a spinal cord injury, with most patients spending an average of nine months in the Hospital. Spinal Injuries Ireland begins to work with the patient during their stay in Hospital but it is on returning home to their communities that the support provided becomes really essential as the individuals and their families struggle to come to terms with such life-changing injuries.

On average one person a week in Ireland sustains a spinal cord injury.

The majority of these occur amongst 18 – 35 year olds.

More men than women sustain a spinal cord injury: 77% of spinal injuries are sustained by males.

70% of people who sustain a spinal cord injury are unable to return to the workplace.

Road traffic accidents account for 40% of spinal cord injuries in Ireland

Depending on the level of injury or disease in the spinal cord, a person affected can become Paraplegic or Quadriplegic: Quadriplegic means that the level of injury occurs in the neck or cervical region and implies paralysis or weakness in all four limbs. Paraplegic happens when the level of injury occurs below the cervical cord segment and implies paralysis or weakness in the legs.

A very small percentage of people who sustain a spinal cord injury are luckier and make a full recovery.