Cold can cause spinal cord injury, Chairman says

Mr. David Onuoha, the Chairman, Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), Abia chapter, has warned that untreated cold in the body can cause injury to the spinal cord.

He gave the warning during an awareness session in Umuahia to celebrate the 2024 International Spinal Cord Injury Day (ISCID).

Supreme News reports that since 2016, the International Spinal Cord Association (ISCoS) decided to celebrate “SCI Day” on Sept. 5 every year to raise awareness about the devastating impact of the disease.

The 2024 edition of the global observance day has “End Violence—Protect Spinal Cord” as its theme.

Spinal Cord Injury Day (SCI Day) is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by individuals living with spinal cord injuries and a good opportunity to emphasise commitment towards prevention.

Onuoha, therefore, said, “There is tuberculosis of the spinal cord; exposure to cold can cause serious harm to the spinal cord.

“It was strange to me when I heard it the first time, but at the end, I found out that it is true.

“When what we know as the common cold, which affects our lungs, is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to complications that can injure our spinal cord.”

The SCIAN chairman, who said the Spinal Cord Injury Day is an international day to create awareness and knowledge of the injury among citizens, added that “it is important that my colleagues and I raise awareness about the ailment because it has not been easy for any of us using the wheelchair.

“Speaking from experience, spinal cord injury isthe worst thing you can even wish to your enemy, because you cannot do anything on your own without assistance.”

Supreme News reports that Onuoha and other members of the association responded to different questions asked by people concerning the injury.