Spinal Cord Injury

Cervical (Near the Neck) Injuries

When spinal cord injuries occur near the neck, varying degrees of symptoms can affect both the arms and the legs:

» weakness, paralysis
» breathing difficulties (from paralysis of the breathing muscles)
» spasticity (increased muscle tone)
» sensory changes
» numbness
» pain
» loss of normal bowel and bladder control
» constipation
» incontinence
» bladder spasms

Thoracic (Chest-Level) Injuries

When spinal injuries occur at chest level, varying degrees of symptoms can affect the legs:

» weakness, paralysis
» breathing difficulties (from paralysis of the breathing muscles)
» spasticity (increased muscle tone)
» sensory changes
» numbness
» pain
» loss of normal bowel and bladder control
» constipation
» incontinence
» bladder spasms

Injuries to the cervical or high thoracic cord may also result in:

» abnormal blood pressure
» blood pressure fluctuating quickly and through a wide range
» worsening of pain or bladder spasms
» abnormal sweating; trouble maintaining proper temperature