Different Types of Spinal Cord Injury
The different types of spinal cord injury and their implications
Spinal cord injuries are life-changing events not only for the person experiencing them, but also their families and friends. The impact of the damage can vary greatly depending on the severity and location of the injury. Sometimes people will still have partial movement or sensation, and in other cases it can cause a complete loss of function below the point of injury.
There are different types of spinal cord injury, and they are typically split into two overarching categories: incomplete spine injuries and complete spine injuries. Understanding these categories is an important first step in navigating what the road ahead may look like, from coming to terms with new physical challenges, exploring treatment and rehabilitation options, or finding the right day-to-day support.
Incomplete spinal cord injury
Incomplete spinal cord injuries are more common and are a result of the spinal cord being compressed or damaged in a way that limits the brain’s ability to send messages to the parts of the body that are located below the injury.
The effects of an incomplete spinal cord injury vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the injury. Some injuries may result in only a slight reduction in motor function, but some can result in the loss of sensation and function of limbs or triplegia (the loss of the use of both legs and one arm). No two journeys are ever quite the same, and with many incomplete spinal cord injuries, there is room for rehabilitation and progress with the right support.
Complete spinal cord injury
Complete spinal cord injuries are viewed as more serious, as they usually have more severe effects. A complete spinal cord injury can lead to paraplegia or tetraplegia, depending on where the injury is located. Complete spinal cord injuries often feel more daunting, as they can bring greater physical and emotional challenges to daily life. For many people and their loved ones, dealing with a complete spinal cord injury diagnosis becomes a journey of finding new ways to live fully, drawing on support, and redefining independence in a way that feels meaningful to them.
What are the four types of spinal injury?
The type of spinal injury depends on where in the spinal cord the injury occurs, and the location also will cause symptoms of the injury to vary. Whilst there are two overarching categories, doctors tend to group spinal injuries depending on their location:
- Cervical Injury: An injury to the part of the spine located in the neck and head.
- Thoracic Injury: An injury to the part of the spine located in the chest and mid-back.
- Lumbar Injury: An injury to the part of the spine located in the lower back.
- Sacral Injury: An injury to the part of the spine located in the pelvic area.
How to care for someone with a spinal cord injury
If a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, care goes much further than just their physical needs. The mental and emotional effects of a serious injury can be severe and last for a long time. Our Spinal Injury carers are specially trained in the field of spinal cord and injury and understand how such injury can impact the rest of someone’s life as well as those around them. At Abbots Care, we create bespoke care plans with your loved one and their family in mind, and we involve you in the planning of care from the very start.
If you have a loved one who requires spinal injury care, we’re here to help. At Abbots Care, we have over 30 years of experience in providing professional home care services. we were also awarded an Outstanding rating by the CQC for our home care services in Hertfordshire, so you know your loved one is in capable hands. Our spinal injury specialist carers have been expertly trained to help your loved one manage their injury in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, helping to preserve their independence.
Learn about our spinal injury care services or get in touch for a quick chat about how we can help.
How does spinal cord injury affect the body?
The impact of a spinal cord injury on the body will depend on the type of injury a person has, but there are several main symptoms caused by injury to the spine. These include:
- Loss of or change in sensation, e.g. the ability to feel hot or cold
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
- Changes in sexual function, sensation, or fertility
- Pain or stinging in the affected area
- Trouble breathing or coughing
Paralysis
This is one of the most severe consequences of spinal cord injury and refers to the loss of feeling and control of movement. Paralysis from spinal injuries includes two types:
Paraplegia
Paraplegia is a form of paralysis that typically affects the function of the lower body. It usually occurs as a result of a spinal injury in the thoracic, lumbar or sacral section of the spine that prevents the brain’s signals reaching the legs, feet and sometimes the lower abdomen and pelvic area.
Someone diagnosed with paraplegia may experience the inability to voluntarily move their legs or feet, a loss of sensation in the lower body, a loss of bladder control, and they may suffer from bouts of pain or phantom pain.
Tetraplegia or Quadriplegia
Tetraplegia, or quadriplegia, is a form of paralysis that results in the loss of control of the upper and lower parts of the body. Tetraplegia affects the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, chest, and abdomen.
The type of spinal injury that causes tetraplegia is often located in the cervical section of the spine, as it inhibits messages sent from the brain reaching either the arms or legs.
How to care for someone with a spinal cord injury
If a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, care goes much further than just their physical needs. The mental and emotional effects of a serious injury can be severe and last for a long time. Our Spinal Injury carers are specially trained in the field of spinal cord injury and understand how such injury can impact the rest of someone’s life as well as those around them. At Abbots Care, we create bespoke care plans with your loved one and their family in mind, and we involve you in the planning of care from the very start.
At Abbots Care, we have over 30 years of experience in providing professional home care services. We are a trusted partner of Spinal Injury Association (SIA), and we were recently awarded a third consecutive CQC ‘Outstanding’ rating for our care services in Hertfordshire, so you know your loved one is in capable hands. Our spinal injury specialist Care Workers have been expertly trained to help your loved one manage their injury in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, helping to preserve their independence.
Learn about our spinal injury care services or get in touch for a quick chat about how we can help.
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