Spinal cord injuries can vary greatly in severity and can be classified as either complete or incomplete, depending on the extent of nerve damage.
These injuries can range from partial loss of motor or sensory functions to complete paralysis, dramatically impacting the quality of life and requiring long-term medical care.
Spinal cord injuries can vary in severity and location along the spinal column.
Types of Spinal Injuries Based on Severity
The severity of a spinal cord injury generally falls into two categories: complete and incomplete.
Complete Spinal Cord Injury
A complete spinal cord injury means there is complete damage to the spinal cord, causing a total loss of function.
Individuals with complete SCI will experience paralysis and loss of sensation below the injury site.
A complete spinal cord injury can be further classified into two types:
- Tetraplegia or Quadriplegia: When the spinal cord injury occurs in the cervical spine, the victim may experience paralysis of all four limbs and possibly the torso and organs.
- This condition causes significant limitations and impairments in daily life, requiring extensive medical care and support.
- Paraplegia: When the spinal cord injury occurs below the cervical spine — typically affecting the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae — the victim may have paralysis of the legs and partial loss of bodily function in other areas, depending on the location of the injury.
- Individuals with paraplegia may need assistive devices such as walkers or crutches to walk.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
An incomplete spinal cord injury leads to partial damage to the spinal cord.
This condition means that some nerve signals can still pass through the injured area, allowing for some function and sensation.
Depending on the severity and location of the injury, incomplete spinal cord injuries can affect motor, sensory, or both functions to varying degrees.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Based on Location
Spinal cord injuries can also be classified based on the location of the injury along the spinal column.
Cervical Vertebrae Injuries
Out of the many types of spinal injuries, injuries to the cervical spine are often the most severe and life-altering.
Cervical vertebrae injuries can result in total or partial paralysis of all four limbs, loss of sensation below the neck, and other complications such as respiratory problems.
Individuals with injuries in this area will need assistance with daily living activities.
Thoracic Vertebrae Injuries
The thoracic spine in the upper back can sustain severe damage, especially if the victim gets thrown forward from a car accident.
Thoracic vertebrae injuries also impact the upper chest, middle back, and abdominal muscles.
In most cases, the victim’s arm and hand functions remain intact, allowing for some independence.
Lumbar Vertebrae Injuries
The lumbar spine is the largest and strongest part of the spinal column in the lower back, supporting most of a person’s body weight.
Lumbar vertebrae injuries can make walking, standing, and sitting difficult.
They would need braces or assistive devices such as wheelchairs to support their lower body.
Sacral Vertebrae Injuries
The sacrum is a triangular-shaped bone located between the hip bones and forms the back wall of the pelvis, providing stability and support for the body.
Sacral vertebrae injuries may result in loss of function and sensation in the legs, hips, buttocks, the back of the thighs, and pelvic organs.
Individuals with injuries to this area may still be able to walk but may experience difficulty with balance and coordination.
Other Types of Spinal Injuries
Aside from the types of spinal cord injuries mentioned above, other conditions can affect the spinal cord and its functions.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
This compression can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected areas.
In severe cases, it can lead to sexual dysfunction, paralysis, or loss of bodily functions.
Spinal Fractures
A spinal fracture is a break or crack in one or more vertebrae.
Common causes of spinal fractures include trauma, osteoporosis, and other spinal conditions.
Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, it can result in nerve damage, loss of function, and other complications.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like cushion between the vertebrae slips out of place and presses against a nerve, causing pain and discomfort.
Herniated discs can also cause numbness, tingling, weakness, and shooting pain in the affected area.
Treatment for herniated discs may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Facet Joint Injuries
The facet joints are located on either side of the spine and provide stability and flexibility to the spinal column.
Injuries to facet joints can occur due to trauma, repetitive strain, or degenerative spinal conditions.
Symptoms may include stiffness, pain, and difficulty moving the spine in a particular direction.
Neck Injuries
While not technically a spinal injury, the neck is an essential part of the spinal column and can sustain damage during accidents or falls.
Neck injuries such as whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the head and neck.
In severe cases, it may also result in nerve damage and other complications.
