The human spinal cord is divided into four major sections. Those sections are named as cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral. Each of these sections plays specific roles in the context of protecting the nerves of the body.
When it comes to a spinal cord injury, the severity and the type of injury will depend on which section is injured.
Mentioned below are the types of those spinal cord injuries categorized according to the sections of the spinal cord.
- Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries
This term refers to an instance in which the topmost section of the spinal cord (head and neck, just above the shoulders) is inured due to some reason.
- Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries
Thoracic Spinal Cord injuries mainly affect the middle part of the body. That means the upper chest, mid-back as well as the abdominal muscles.
- Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries
As a result of a lumbar spinal cord injury, the hips and the legs of the patient will be affected.
- Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries
A Sacral Spinal Cord injury will directly impact the functionality of the hips, back of the thighs, pelvic organs and the buttocks of the patient.
The difference between a complete spinal cord injury and an incomplete spinal cord injury
In general, the spinal cord injuries can be categorized into two depending on the severity of the damage. Namely, complete spinal cord injury and incomplete spinal cord injury.
As a result of a complete spinal cord injury, the patient will experience permanent damage. The region affected will depend on which section of the spinal cord is completely injured. Paraplegia and tetraplegia are the outcomes of such injury to the spinal cord.
When it comes to an incomplete spinal cord injury, it is partial damage as the name suggests. In fact, the amount of mobility and the feeling will depend on which section of the spinal cord is damaged. The severity of the injury will also impact on this matter.
This article provided by Wagners Personal Injury Lawyers in Halifax
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