What is a spinal inury? | CLCA Nursing

"Spinal Injuries are often the most complex to deal with. It can include loss of muscle function, sensation or autonomic function of parts of the body below the level of the injury."

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Your spinal cord

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves and other tissue which extends from the brain’s base at the top of your neck down the length of your back. It’s protected by the bones (or vertebrae) that make up the spine, and by spinal fluid.

Your brain and spinal cord are vital for controlling your bodily functions. The spinal cord is responsible for communicating two-way messages to and from the brain to all parts of the body – your muscles, organs and your skin. We are able to feel pain and move our arms or legs because of these messages or impulses.

If the spinal cord is damaged or injured, some of the messages or impulses may be ‘interrupted’. This can lead to partial or total loss of feeling or movement in parts of your body – including your limbs and your internal organs.

Most injuries cause loss of movement and feeling in the parts of the body below the level of the injury. If you damage or break your spinal cord close to your neck, this will cause paralysis in a larger part of the body than damage to your spinal cord lower down your back. As well as the physical impact of a spinal cord injury, there are also emotional and psychological effects on the person concerned – and their family.

Spinal Injury, Spinal Cord Injury

Cervical vertebrae

C1-3 Limited head control
C4 Breathing and shoulders shrug
C5 Lift arm with shoulder, elbow flex
C6 Elbow flex and wrist extension
C8 Finger flexion

Thoracic vertebrae

T1 Finger movement
T2-T12 Deep breaths, deep breathing
T6-L1 Deep exhale of breath, stability while sitting

Lumbar vertebrae

L1-L2 Hip flexion
L2-L3 Hip movement toward middle of body
L3-L4 Knee extension
L4-L5 Ankle extension
L5 Extension of big toe

Sacral vertebrae

S1 Movement of foot and ankle
S1-S2 Toe movement
S2-S4 Function of bladder and bowel

Contact us today to discuss how we can support someone with a spinal injury. We are able to offer our services to both children and adults with our homecare services. Click here to learn more.

inquiry@clcacompanyltd.co.uk | 01743 460957

Credit: Back Up Trust