Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries in Washington DC
Some of the most common injuries to the spinal cord in Washington DC affect the thoracic spinal area. Located in the middle of the spinal column, the thoracic area is comprised of 12 vertebrae. This section of the spinal cord controls the hands, torso muscles, back muscles, and muscles in the abdomen.
Thoracic spinal cord injuries are usually non-fatal, but they can still have severe and long-lasting effects. Many people who sustain a thoracic spinal injury lose a significant amount of muscle function, which can make the recovery process and transition back to normal life difficult. Read on to learn how to detect thoracic injuries and what symptoms they may cause.
Introduction to the Thoracic Spine
The thoracic region affects the muscles and movement of the mid-section of the body. The T1-T12 vertebrae of the thoracic spinal column each protect a section of the spinal cord that controls a specific body part:
- T1: hands and fingers
- T2-T3: chest muscles
- T4-T8: chest, trunk, and abdominal muscles
- T9-T12: abdominal muscles
People who suffer an injury to the upper back or midsection may impact one or more of the vertebrae in the thoracic spine.
Common Injury Causes and Symptoms
While motor vehicle accidents remain the number one cause of spinal cord injuries, there are other ways of damaging the thoracic spine. Besides traumatic accidents, osteoporosis, congenital disabilities, spinal infection, compression fractures, or cancer tumors can all contribute to a thoracic spinal cord injury.
There are several symptoms associated with a thoracic spinal cord injury. Common symptoms include:
- Lack of bowel and bladder control
- Inability to control trunk muscles
- Lack of hand dexterity
- Balance issues
- Inability to walk
In extreme cases, a thoracic spinal cord injury can result in paraplegia, or paralysis of all four limbs. Thoracic spine injury patients in DC who notice numbness beginning in the hands, fingers, chest, or abdomen should contact a medical professional immediately.
Thoracic Treatment and Rehabilitation
Treatment and recovery for thoracic injuries can take months, depending on the severity of the damage. Surgery may be required in some cases, which could involve several months of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. In severe cases, the lasting effects from the injury may necessitate assisted living devices such as modified cars, wheelchairs, or walking braces for stabilization.
However, most Washington DC residents who suffer from thoracic spinal injuries regain full upper body movement and can care for themselves without any assistance. Seeking immediate medical care and rehabilitation after any spinal injury is the best way to ensure a positive recovery experience.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney for Recovery
Spinal cord injuries can be scary, but recovery is often achievable with consistent and quality medical care. However, treatment and rehabilitation can be expensive, leaving thoracic injury victims burdened by both their symptoms and new financial worries.
There are often options for personal injury claims and potential financial recovery in cases where a negligent party caused the injurious accident. No one should have to suffer doubly for someone else’s negligence, and there are legal systems in place to rectify these types of scenarios.
If you suffered a thoracic spinal cord injury from an accident caused by someone else, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Contact a Washington DC lawyer today to discuss your thoracic spinal cord injury case.