David Onuoha, the chairman of the 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).

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.

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 toward prevention.

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.”

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 is the worst thing you can even wish to your enemy because you cannot do anything on your own without assistance.”

Mr Onuoha and other members of the association responded to different questions asked by people concerning the injury.

(NAN)