The lumbar spine contains 5 vertebral bones that form a lordotic curve (same as the cervical spine) and run through the lower back. The lumbar spine is more mobile than the thoracic spine yet also carries more weight, making it the most likely region of the spine to become injured and painful.
Which part of the spine is most commonly injured?
Understandably, the lumbar spine is the most commonly injured region of the spinal column. The lowest portion of the spine, the part that is connected to the pelvis, is called the sacrum.
Which area of the spine is most at risk for traumatic injury?
The cervical spine encompasses seven vertebrae and serves as a protection to the spinal cord. [1][2][3] The segment of the spine most susceptible to injury is the cervical spine based on its anatomy and flexibility.
Which region of the spine do spinal injuries primarily occur?
The two areas of the spinal cord most commonly injured are the cervical spine (C1–C7) and the lumbar spine (L1–L5) . (The notation C1, C7, L1, L5 refer to the location of a specific vertebra in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar region of the spine.)
Where do most spinal injuries occur?
The more common injuries occur when the area of the spine or neck is bent or compressed , as in the following: Falls. Motor vehicle accidents (automobiles, motorcycles, and being struck as a pedestrian)
What are the 2 main commonly injured areas of the spine?
The most common sites of injury are the cervical and thoracic areas . SCI is a common cause of lifelong (permanent) disability and death in children and adults. The spine has 33 vertebrae.
What happens if you injure your spinal cord?
Injuries to the spinal cord can cause weakness or complete loss of muscle function and loss of sensation in the body below the level of injury, loss of control of the bowels and bladder, and loss of normal sexual function.
How do you tell if lower back pain is muscle or disc?
The lower back and neck are the most flexible parts of your spine, and they’re also where most herniated discs occur. While pain in your mid-back may be related to a disc, it’s more likely caused by muscle strain or other issues. Your symptoms feel worse when you bend or straighten up from a bent position.
Which of the following is the most common mechanism for spinal trauma?
The most common form of primary injury is impact plus persistent compression , which typically occurs through burst fractures with bone fragments compressing the spinal cord or through fracture-dislocation injuries (8, 12, 13).
Which spinal nerves affect which parts of the body?
The nerves of the cervical spine go to the upper chest and arms . The nerves in your thoracic spine go to your chest and abdomen. The nerves of the lumbar spine then reach to your legs, bowel, and bladder. These nerves coordinate and control all the body’s organs and parts, and let you control your muscles.
What is the difference between spine and spinal cord?
The spine is made up of a column of bones called vertebrae (spinal column). The spinal cord, a long, fragile structure contained in the spinal canal which runs through the centre of the spine, is protected by the vertebrae.
What is the leading cause of spinal cord injuries?
The leading causes of spinal cord injury are road traffic crashes, falls and violence (including attempted suicide). A significant proportion of traumatic spinal cord injury is due to work or sports-related injuries.
What part of the spine controls the heart?
Thoracic (mid back) – the main function of the thoracic spine is to hold the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs. The twelve thoracic vertebrae are numbered T1 to T12.
How do you know if your spine is damaged?
Emergency signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury after an accident may include: Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck , head or back. Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of your body. Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes.
Does a spinal cord injury shorten your life?
Life expectancy depends on the severity of the injury, where on the spine the injury occurs and age . Life expectancy after injury ranges from 1.5 years for a ventilator-dependent patient older than 60 to 52.6 years for a 20-year-old patient with preserved motor function.
Is spinal cord damage permanent?
Complete spinal cord injuries are usually permanent . Incomplete spinal cord injuries may allow for some functional improvement over time.
