Spine injuries are catastrophic because they significantly impact your use of limbs and some of your functionality. The severity of our damages relies on the location at which the injury occurs. Each level of the vertebrae and spinal cord have a bodily function they help control. Whenever a specific level suffers an injury, it can lead to long-term problems.
Cervical Spine Injury
The seven vertebrae in your neck are the cervical spinal cord (the C1 – C7 vertebrae). An injury that impacts the cervical spinal cord can lead to quadriplegia, which means you lose functionality in all limbs below your shoulders and neck. It’s the most severe spinal cord injury.
Thoracic Spine Injury
The area between the T1 and T12 vertebrae is the thoracic spine. The first five vertebrae control the muscles, upper chest, mid-back, and abdomen. The other six control the abdominal and back muscles. An injury to this area can result in multiple types of damage. The body part affected depends on the exact sections of nerves that sustain damage.
- T1 Vertebrae Injury – Hands and Fingers
- T2 – T5 Vertebrae Injury – Chest
- T6 – T8 Vertebrae Injury – Chest and Abdomen
- T9 – T12 Vertebrae Injury – Abdomen
If a thoracic spine injury leads to any paralysis, it is typically paraplegia.
Lumbar Spine Injury
The L1 – L5 vertebrae are the lumbar. An injury to the lumbar spine can impact your hip and leg function. Most often, this injury does not have any impact on your upper body. You may also experience problems with your bowel and bladder function.
Sacral Spine Injury
The sacrum is the lowest part of the spine just above the tailbone. The S1 – S5 control pelvic organs, including the bladder, bowel, and sex organs. While most people who suffer a sacrum injury can walk, there may be some function loss in the legs and hips.
At Lowe Law Group, we recognize the severity of a spine injury. Our personal injury lawyers are here to help you if you suffer harm because of someone else’s negligence. Let us help you pursue the outcome you need to move forward.
Call us at (800)-319-5196 today to discuss your options.