What happens with cervical spinal cord injury? (Part 2)

What happens with cervical spinal cord injury? (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of a question addressed last month: What happens with cervical spinal cord injury? If you missed Part 1, click below for an explanation of high and low cervical injury levels of the spinal cord.

Read Part 1

Thoracic Nerves (T1-T5)

  • Corresponding nerves affect muscles, upper chest, mid-back and abdominal muscles

  • Arm and hand function is usually normal

  • Injuries usually affect the trunk and legs (paraplegia)

  • Most likely use a manual wheelchair

  • Could learn to drive with a modified car

  • Could stand in a standing frame, while others may walk with braces

Thoracic Nerves (T1-T5)

  • Nerves affect muscles of the abdominal and back muscles, depending on the level of injury

  • Usually results in paraplegia

  • Normal upper-body movement

  • Fair-to-good ability to control and balance the trunk when in the seated position

  • Should be able to cough, if abdominal muscles are intact

  • Little or no voluntary control of bowel or bladder

  • Most likely use a manual wheelchair

  • Could learn to drive a modified car

  • Some may be able to stand in a standing frame and others may walk with limb braces