Paraplegia is the loss of movement and sensation in the lower half of the body—including both legs and parts of the torso—typically caused by a spinal cord injury below the neck. According to the Southern African Spinal Cord Association (SASCA), this specific type of paralysis results from trauma located within the thoracic (chest) or lumbar (lower back) vertebrae. Because the “telephone conversation” connection is broken in these mid-to-lower sections, messages from the brain can’t reach the stomach, back, chest, or leg muscles, leaving the individual unable to stand or walk. This injury often leads to spastic paralysis, causing the lower muscles to cramp or twitch involuntarily, and many individuals struggle with trunk stability, making it difficult to sit upright without support
