David Onuoha, Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) Abia chapter, has issued a warning that exposure to cold can cause spinal cord injury if left untreated. He made this statement during an awareness session in Umuahia to mark the 2024 International Spinal Cord Injury Day (ISCID).
Since 2016, the International Spinal Cord Association (ISCoS) decided to celebrate "SCI Day" on September 5 every year to raise awareness about the disease's devastating impact.
Mr 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 in the end, I found out it is true.
"When what we know as common cold, which affects our lungs, is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to complications that can injure our spinal cord."
Onuoha highlighted the risks of untreated cold, saying it can lead to complications that harm the spinal cord, emphasizing the challenges of living with spinal cord injuries and the importance of prevention.
The theme of this years ISCID, End Violence - Protect Spinal Cord, aims to raise awareness about the impact of spinal cord injuries and promote commitment to prevention. Mr Onuoha and other SCIAN members answered questions from the public, sharing their experiences and expertise to educate citizens about the risks and consequences of spinal cord injuries.
