Tampa
Personal Injury Attorney Explains Spinal Cord Structures
and Injuries
As
a personal injury attorney in Tampa
for decades, the law firm of Clark and Martino, P.A. has
experience in representing clients with spinal cord injuries.
In addition to requiring a lot of expensive medical care,
spinal cord injuries are often permanent and affect every
area of the patient’s life.
The
spinal cord is the largest nerve in your body, traveling
from your brain, going down the middle of your back, and
ending at your waist. At about 18 inches long, your spinal
cord carries messages to and from your brain to the rest
of your body. Since it plays an important role in function
and survival, your spinal cord is protected by bones called
vertebrae. The vertebral column surrounding your spinal
cord is made up of the following bone segments:
-
7 cervical vertebrae, referred to as C1-C7
-
12 thoracic vertebrae, referred to as T1-T12
-
5 lumbar vertebrae, referred to as L1-L5
-
5 sacral vertebrae, fused together at the bottom of the
spine
Underneath
the vertebrae are spinal nerves which exit at different
levels. These spinal nerves include:
- Cervical
nerves: located in the neck; provide feeling and movement
to the neck, arms, and upper trunk
- Thoracic
nerves: located in the upper back; serve the trunk and
abdomen
-
Lumbar nerves and sacral nerves: located in the lower
back; supply feeling and movement to the legs, bowel,
bladder, etc.
The
majority of spinal cord injuries are caused by trauma to
the vertebral column. A common example of spinal cord trauma
is when one or more vertebrae are fractured, dislocated,
crushed, or compressed, which pinches or severs the spinal
cord. More damage takes place when swelling or fluid builds
up around the spinal cord.
If
you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a spinal cord
injury, you may be entitled to compensation. First, it is
important to contact a Tampa personal
injury attorney as soon as possible following your injury.
Call Clark and Martino, P.A., at 1-866-598-9111 to find
out more about scheduling a free consultation to discuss
your personal injury case.
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