The spinal cord runs through the center of the spinal column – a structure made up of 33 roughly cylindrical bones called vertebrae.
There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves divided into groups – cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral – according to the section of the spine from which they emerge. Here is how the body is affected when the spine is damaged.
C1 – C8
- C4 Diaphragm
- C5 Deltoid and Biceps
- C6 Wrist extensions
- C7 Triceps
- C8 Hand
T1 – T12
- T2 – T7 Chest Muscles
- T9 – T12 Abdominal Muscles
L1 – L5
- L1 – L5 Leg Muscles
S1 – S5
- S1 – S5 Significant with bowel, bladder, and sexual function
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