The spinal cord is essential to the body’s central nervous system. It is a column of nerves that runs from the base of the skull to the lower back, carrying signals from the brain to other parts of the body and back again. When a spinal cord injury disrupts this communication, the consequences can be severe.
Injuries to the spinal cord can range in severity. Some complications are temporary and resolve with time. Others are catastrophic, causing permanent disabilities and even shortening a victim’s life expectancy. If you suffered a spinal cord injury at someone else’s hands, you need an attorney who understands these complex injuries and the devastating effects they can have on your health and happiness.
Turn to a spinal cord injury attorney at Recovery Law Center. For over 25 years, our legal team has successfully represented thousands of injured people on Oahu. We know that spinal cord injuries often leave victims in an uncertain place, waiting to learn how much they will recover. The financial and personal costs of this waiting game are burdens you don’t have to bear alone.
While we cannot heal your injuries, we can fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. Reach out to Recovery Law Center today for a free consultation. Call or contact us now.
Cervical Spine: Critical for Arms and Breathing
The cervical spine includes seven cervical vertebrae labeled C1 through C7. Cervical spine injuries can lead to problems in the arms, shoulders, and even breathing. Cervical spinal nerves control movement and feeling in the upper body, and cervical spinal nerves play a large part in hand coordination. When a cervical spinal cord injury occurs, impaired motor function in the arms might develop, along with limited grip strength or reduced sensation.
Common Effects
- Neck pain and restricted range of motion
- Problems with motor and sensory function in hands or arms
- Breathing difficulties if the high cervical vertebrae are hurt
Because each cervical nerve corresponds to different actions, a higher-up injury often has a broader impact. For example, C3 or C4 injuries may cause breathing issues that require ongoing support. Cervical spinal nerves control diaphragm function, and damage can disrupt nerve function enough to require medical devices.
Thoracic Spine: Upper Body Stability
The thoracic spinal cord sits behind the chest region, spanning T1 through T12. Thoracic spinal nerves control parts of the upper trunk, back muscles, and some abdominal muscles. Thoracic spinal nerves play an important role in posture and torso stability. A thoracic spinal cord injury often affects trunk control and may result in balance or coordination problems.
Thoracic Spinal Nerves and Function
- Thoracic spinal nerves allow movement in the upper trunk
- Upper abdominal muscles rely on these nerves for proper abdominal muscle function
- Thoracic spinal nerves control some chest movements needed for stable breathing
When both thoracic and sacral spine areas are involved, bladder and bowel functions can also face complications. If a person experiences a thoracic spinal cord injury, the extent of damage depends on the level—T1 injuries are closer to the arms, while T12 injuries are closer to the lumbar area.
Lumbar Spine: Movement in the Lower Body
The lumbar spine supports the upper body’s weight and allows hip and leg function. The lumbar spinal cord usually extends around T12 to L1 or L2, then branches into lumbar spinal nerves lower down. These nerves connect to the legs and lower trunk. An injury to the lumbar spinal cord can reduce mobility and coordination in the hips, knees, and feet.
Lumbar Spinal Nerves and Their Role
- Lumbar spinal nerves control movement in the legs and feet
- Lumbar spinal nerves branch to provide sensation and motor functions in the lower extremities
- The lumbar spinal cord connects signals that keep a person stable when walking
A lumbar spinal cord injury or trauma lumbar spine event can occur during car crashes, falls, or sports injuries. Such harm can affect bladder function, cause pain to radiate down the legs, or cause weakness that makes movement challenging. Other trauma lumbar spine incidents can also lead to secondary injury if not treated quickly.
Sacral Spine: Pelvic and Lower Body Functions
Below the lumbar region is the sacral spine. The sacral spinal cord region involves nerves S1 through S5, which help regulate critical pelvic organs. Sacral spinal nerves control parts of the thighs, feet, and bladder and bowel function. When sacral nerve damage exists, it can involve bowel and bladder functions, sexual function, and leg stability.
Coordination in the Sacral Spine
- Sacral spinal cord injury may affect the coordination of sacral spine movement
- Sacral spinal nerves are linked to foot and pelvic control
- Sacral spinal nerves control bladder and bowel functions, which include the ability to hold or release urine or stool
If these nerves are hurt, it might cause incomplete spinal injuries or complete injury patterns, depending on how far the damage reaches. A sacral spinal cord injury can present with pain or tingling in the lower body, plus changes in muscle strength.
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
In a complete spinal cord injury, signals below the point of damage stop entirely. This often leaves the person with total motor and sensory function loss in areas below that injury level. A complete injury can affect large body sections, such as the trunk, arms, or legs, depending on the spinal cord injury levels.
In contrast, an incomplete spinal cord injury may allow some movement or feeling below the site of harm. Incomplete injury types include conditions where partial signals still pass along the spinal column. Incomplete spinal injuries offer better chances for recovery since the nerves are not entirely severed.
Leading Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Honolulu
A spinal cord injury is not necessarily a broken back. It is a broad term comprising a range of injuries that cause damage to the spinal cord itself, which is encased between protective bones called vertebrae. A sudden blow to the spinal column can damage or cut the spinal cord, leading to loss of sensation or motor control in the affected area.
Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries in Honolulu include:
- Workplace accidents
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Sports and recreation injuries
- Violent acts, such as gunshots or assault
Victims who sustain severe spinal cord injuries usually face a long period of rehabilitation and experience chronic complications. The treatment costs for physical therapy, additional surgery, and related neurological disorders can be sky-high. A spinal cord injury lawyer can pursue compensation for your past, current, and future medical expenses through a personal injury lawsuit.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
When a spinal cord injury affects the body, the short-term impact might include swelling, bruising, or pain radiating through the affected areas. This early phase is often referred to as a secondary injury period because tissues around the site can become inflamed and add more pressure to the nerves. In some cases, timely treatment can reduce the extent of damage and enhance motor function or sensory and motor functions.
Long-term, many spinal cord injury patients deal with changes in bowel and bladder function, changes in sensation and motor function, and the need for assistive devices. Some rely on wheelchairs, walkers, or ongoing therapy to stay active. Others may need advanced care if the cervical spinal region is involved, since supporting essential body functions like breathing becomes more difficult.
Partner with Recovery Law Center for Legal Support
Spinal cord injury affects every part of life, from daily routines to long-term plans. Knowing the role of the cervical spinal, thoracic spinal, lumbar spinal cord, and sacral spinal cord can guide you toward better self-care and a clearer plan for rehabilitation. It also reminds you that you are not alone. With the help of Recovery Law Center and their spinal cord injury attorney, you can explore your options for compensation and protect your future.
Take the next step and schedule a consultation. A supportive legal team may help you receive the necessary resources for care and rehabilitation. By partnering with a law firm that understands spinal injury, you gain a chance to focus on healing and rebuilding your life on your own terms. Schedule a consultation with us today.
