Types and Levels of Spinal Cord Injuries
Each spinal cord injury is unique. Some cause loss of motor and sensory function, while others may affect only specific body systems. The way an injury impacts someone depends largely on where it happens along the spinal cord and how severe the damage is.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we work with individuals in Nevada whose lives have changed due to spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be life-altering. Understanding the types and levels of spinal cord injuries helps families prepare for what comes next: physically, medically, and legally. If you or someone you care about has suffered such an injury, our spinal cord injury attorney is available to discuss your legal options.
This guide breaks down the different levels of spinal cord injuries, explaining their impact on mobility and organ control, and how the classification of spinal cord injuries can inform treatment and planning.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) happens when the spinal cord or surrounding spinal cord tissue is damaged. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs through the spinal canal. It carries messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back. When this pathway is disrupted, it can cause changes in motor function, sensory function, and control over the body’s organs.
Injuries may occur from significant trauma, such as a car accident or a fall. Even minor trauma in the wrong place can cause long-term damage. The spinal cord does not regenerate in the same way that other parts of the body do, so damage is often permanent.
There are two major types of injuries: complete and incomplete spinal cord injury. A complete spinal cord injury means all feeling and movement are lost below the injury site. An incomplete injury means some signals still pass through, and there may be some preserved function.
Other terms like secondary injury, which refers to swelling or bleeding after the initial injury, also affect recovery. Treatment often depends on the injury level, location, and how the spinal nerves and surrounding structures are affected.
Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are grouped based on how much damage occurred and where it happened on the spine. This classification helps medical providers, rehabilitation teams, and legal advocates understand the impact of the injury and plan effective care.
Injury Type (Severity of Damage)
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: Total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level. No communication occurs between the brain and the body parts below the damaged area.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Partial loss of function. Some nerve signals still travel past the injury, allowing for limited movement or feeling, depending on the damage.
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: An incomplete injury where motor function is more severely affected than sensation. It is usually caused by reduced blood flow to the front part of the spinal cord.
- Cauda Equina Injuries: Damage to the nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord. This often leads to issues with bowel and bladder function, leg movement, and sexual function.
Injury Level (Location Along the Spine)
- Cervical Spine Injuries: Located in the neck region (C1–C8). Affects arms, hands, diaphragm, and in severe cases, full-body movement and breathing.
- Thoracic Spine Injuries: Mid-back region (T1–T12). Impacts abdominal muscles, chest, and lower body. Often results in paraplegia while leaving arm function intact.
- Lumbar Spine Injuries: Lower back region (L1–L5). Affects the hips, legs, and parts of the bladder and bowel. May preserve upper body control.
- Sacral Spine Injuries: Bottom of the spine (S1–S5). Controls pelvic organs, bladder, and lower limbs. Can lead to difficulties with bowel and bladder control and sexual function.
Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries
The cervical spinal cord is responsible for sending messages between the brain and the upper body. It controls movement and sensation in the head, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. These nerves also help regulate breathing, heart rate, and swallowing.
Injuries in this area are often the most serious. Because the cervical region sits at the top of the spinal column, damage here can affect most of the body. Breathing, movement, bladder control, and even the ability to speak can be impacted.
Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Levels
There are eight cervical vertebrae, labeled C1 to C8. The higher the injury, the more systems are affected. This includes:
- C1–C4 injuries may cause complete loss of function from the neck down and can affect breathing, often requiring the use of a ventilator.
- C5–C8 injuries may leave some arm and hand movement but still result in limited independence and reduced motor control.
People with cervical spine injuries may lose bladder and bowel control, have difficulty regulating body temperature, and rely on others for personal care. Cervical nerves play a key role in upper body movement and vital functions. Damage to these nerves can change every aspect of daily life.
The outcome depends on the severity of the injury and the extent of remaining neurological function. Some individuals regain partial movement; others may face permanent paralysis. Recovery often requires long-term rehabilitation and support for basic needs, including housing, transportation, and medical care.
THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can represent people across Nevada living with cervical spinal cord injuries caused by crashes, falls, or unsafe property conditions. If someone else’s actions caused your injury, our team can help you understand your rights and options moving forward.
Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries
The thoracic spinal cord is located between the neck and the lower back. It includes twelve vertebrae (T1 to T12). Injuries in this area affect the chest, back, and abdominal muscles.
A thoracic spinal cord injury can cause paraplegia, which means a person may lose movement and feeling in the lower body. Arm and hand movement usually stays normal. The higher the injury is in the thoracic spine, the more serious the effects.
The thoracic spinal nerves control trunk stability and some internal organs. These nerves play a crucial role in:
- Maintaining posture
- Regulating breathing
- Controlling abdominal movements.
For example, the thoracic spinal nerves play a role in maintaining the torso’s upright position and balance. Bowel and bladder control may also be affected. Thoracic injuries can lead to issues with sexual function and digestion. Some people also experience chronic pain or spasticity in the lower body.
Though not as common as neck injuries, thoracic spine injuries can still cause serious problems. Whether from a car crash, work accident, or sports incident, these injuries often require long-term rehabilitation and home adjustments.
Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries
The lumbar spine includes the five vertebrae labeled L1 to L5. A lumbar spinal cord injury affects the following:
- Hips
- Legs
- Pelvic organs
These injuries can result in difficulty walking, standing, or moving the legs. People with lumbar injuries typically retain full use of their arms and upper body. However, they may lose bowel and bladder function depending on the extent of nerve damage. Damage to the spinal nerves in this area can cause numbness, tingling, or paralysis in the lower limbs.
Lumbar injuries often involve both bone fractures and damage to nerve roots. Loss of movement in the legs and reduced control over the pelvic area can make daily tasks difficult. Recovery depends on the severity of the injury and how soon treatment is initiated. Surgery, physical therapy, and assistive devices can help restore some motor function and support independence.
Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries
The sacral spine is located at the bottom of the spinal column. It includes five fused vertebrae and controls the groin, back of the legs, and pelvic organs. Injuries in this region affect the sacral nerves and may cause loss of bladder control, bowel function, and sexual function. These injuries may also cause pain or weakness in the hips and thighs.
Sacral nerve damage is often the result of trauma to the tailbone or lower back. Though rare, sacral spine injuries can still lead to serious problems with daily life and independence. Because the spinal cord ends around the L1-L2 level, sacral injuries typically involve nerve roots known as the cauda equina. Damage in this area is known as cauda equina injuries, which can cause numbness, tingling, or loss of movement in the lower body.
Even though the legs may still function, people with sacral injuries often face challenges with personal care, working, and maintaining relationships.
Neurological Deficits and Recovery
After the initial injury, the brain and peripheral nerves may try to compensate. However, in many cases, the effects are long-lasting. Neurological function depends on the extent of damage and whether it’s a complete or incomplete injury. In incomplete spinal cord injuries, recovery may be possible with time and therapy. In complete injuries, function is usually permanently lost. Neurological recovery is influenced by:
- How quickly medical treatment was given
- The location and severity of the injury
- How much spinal cord tissue remains intact
Doctors may use scoring systems from the American Spinal Injury Association to track recovery. These systems evaluate sensory and motor functions to monitor changes.
Recovery takes time. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals regain strength, adapt to mobility aids, and alleviate pain.
Why You Need Immediate Legal Help After Sustaining a Spinal Cord Injury?
Getting legal help right away isn’t just about filing paperwork. It’s also about protecting your future. Here are the reasons why reaching out to a lawyer as soon as possible can make a big difference in your recovery and financial stability.
Protecting Your Rights Early Matters
After a spinal cord injury, your focus is on recovery. However, evidence from the injury site can disappear quickly. Police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage may be lost if legal steps are not taken early. Acting fast ensures your rights are preserved and crucial evidence is collected before it’s too late.
Understanding the Costs of a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury often leads to lifelong expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. In severe cases, costs are incurred for home modifications, mobility aids, and ongoing care related to bowel and bladder function or other complications. Without immediate legal help, you may miss the chance to recover these costs from the responsible party.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are quick to minimize payouts. Without an attorney, you risk accepting a settlement that does not cover the actual cost of your medical care or lost income. Having a law firm like THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys on your side means there’s someone who understands how to handle insurers while you focus on recovery.
Proving Fault and Injury Severity
Establishing liability is not always straightforward. Demonstrating injury severity, the impact on your motor and sensory function, and your long-term prognosis requires strong medical documentation and sometimes expert testimony. Immediate legal help ensures all this information is gathered before time limits affect your case.
Meeting Legal Deadlines
Nevada law sets strict time limits for filing personal injury claims. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to seek compensation. By reaching out to a lawyer quickly, you protect your ability to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Legal Support After a Spinal Cord Injury
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we help people in Nevada who have suffered spinal cord injuries due to the actions of others. These injuries often lead to large medical bills, job loss, and changes to daily life.
We provide legal representation for people dealing with complete and incomplete injury and other spinal trauma caused by negligence. If your injury resulted from unsafe premises, reckless driving, or another preventable event, you may be entitled to compensation. Our goal is to ensure that you understand your rights and options following an injury.
After sustaining spinal cord injuries due to someone else’s carelessness, call us at (702) 478-2266 to talk about your case or schedule a consultation online for a free case review.