Spinal Cord Injury

Cervical: Considered the most severe type of SCI, a cervical spinal cord injury occurs in the first seven vertebrae in the neck: the C1-C7 vertebrae. When a spinal cord injury occurs in this section of the neck, all four limbs are affected, causing quadriplegia. Quadriplegia is defined as any level of paralysis affecting all major extremities. 

Thoracic: The section located in the upper and middle part of the back is called the thoracic spine. This section encompasses 12 vertebrae, making the thoracic region the largest section of the back. When vertebrae are injured anywhere along the thoracic section, many muscles are affected; however, most people with T-level injuries (excluding those with a T-1 injury) have full arm function. Here is an overview of how function is affected depending on the damaged vertebrae’s location in the thoracic spine. 

Lumbar: The lumbar section of the spinal column makes up one of the largest areas of the spinal cord, with some of the biggest vertebrae present. There are five main vertebrae in this section: L1-L5. People with L vertebrae injuries sustain a loss of function in their legs and hips, but have full upper body function. 

Sacral: Located at the bottom of the spinal column, the sacral area is where you will find the least amount of paralysis after an injury because the sacral section only controls the buttocks and thighs. With all of the nerves in the spinal cord above the injury still fully functional, people with a S-level injury have the ability to take care of themselves independently. Many people with S-level SCIs can even walk. There are five vertebrae in the sacral section of the spinal column 

(Philadelphia, n.d.)

Youth with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a unique development experience. In addition to dealing with the usual challenges that come with being a young person in today’s society, they face the challenges involved with acquiring a new disability, which may include physical, social, and emotional issues and adaptations.1,2 Although acquiring a disability should not be seen as inherently detrimental to positive psychological functioning, it is important to acknowledge that facing such an experience during a vulnerable developmental stage may exacerbate stress to an individual and their family.3 Understanding outcomes among youth with SCI can help identify areas for attention and improvement.

Many students will often have difficulties with psychosocial health (Psychosocial health can be described as the state of being mentally, emotionally, and socially well), Mental health, and thoughts regarding Quality of Life(QOL). 

(Kelly & Vogel, 2013)  

            Kelly, E. H., & Vogel, L. C. (2013). Overview of Psychosocial Health Among Youth with Spinal Cord Injury. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 19(2), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.1310/sci1902-129

             Philadelphia, C. H. O. (n.d.). Facts about spina bifida. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. https://www.chop.edu/health-resources/facts-about-spina-bifida-infographic