Coping with
Spinal Cord Injury
How to live with a spinal cord injury
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FacingDisability.com connects families who suddenly have to deal with a spinal cord injury to people like them who have already been there.
REAL PEOPLE,
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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY |
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ANIMATED SCI LEVELS CHARTMouse over the spinal column to see how the level of injury affects loss of function and control |
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Cervical InjuriesCervical injuries above the C-4 level may require a ventilator for the person to breathe. C-5 injuries often result in shoulder and biceps control, but no control at the wrist or hand. C-6 injuries generally yield wrist control, but no hand function. Individuals with C-7, C-8 and T-1 injuries can straighten their arms, but still may have problems with their hands. |
ANIMATED SCI LEVELS CHART
Mouse over the spinal column to see how the level of injury affects loss of function and control
Cervical Injuries
Cervical injuries above the C-4 level may require a ventilator for the person to breathe. C-5 injuries often result in shoulder and biceps control, but no control at the wrist or hand. C-6 injuries generally yield wrist control, but no hand function. Individuals with C-7, C-8 and T-1 injuries can straighten their arms, but still may have problems with their hands.
Thoracic Injuries
The first thoracic vertebra, T-1, is located approximately at the same level as the top rib. Injuries to nerves in this region usually affect the chest and the legs, and result in paraplegia. For injuries from T-1 to T-8, there is usually control of the hands but lack of abdominal muscle control. (Individuals with injuries from T-1 to T-6 are also at risk for Autonomic Dysreflexia)
Lumbar Injuries
Injuries to nerves in the area of L-1 to L-5 generally result in some loss of functioning of the hips and legs. Bowel, bladder and sexual function may also be impacted.
Sacral Injuries
The sacrum runs from the pelvis to the end of the spinal column. Injuries to nerves in this area generally result in some loss of functioning of the hips, legs, ankles, and feet. Loss of control of bowel and bladder and sexual functions is also common.
Facing Disability Blog
Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Information for People With Disabilities
by Stephanie Lollino
Editor’s Note:
As the temperature across the country increases, so does the availability of all three types of the COVID-19 vaccine. People with spinal cord injury and other disabilities really need to know when and where to go to get these all-important doses, so they can get back to doing the things they love – just like everybody else. ...
More CDC COVID-19 Info
Facing Disability BlogLatest COVID-19 Vaccine Information for People With Disabilitiesby Stephanie Lollino
Editor’s Note: As the temperature across the country increases, so does the availability of all three types of the COVID-19 vaccine. People with spinal cord injury and other disabilities really need to know when and where to go to get these all-important doses, so they can get back to doing the things they love – just like everybody else. More CDC COVID-19 Info |
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