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.
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
