Parts of the Spine Most Vulnerable to Injury
The spine is one of the most important structures in the body. It supports the trunk, provides movement, and protects the spinal cord. When the spine is injured, the consequences can be catastrophic and long-lasting.
Spinal injuries can be caused by accidents on the road, at work, or even while playing sports. The most common causes of spinal injuries are motor vehicle accidents, followed by falls. While any part of the spine can be injured, some places are more vulnerable than others.
Knowing which parts of your spine are more likely to be injured can help you protect yourself better and also know what to do if you are hurt. If you do sustain a spinal injury, immediate medical care can prevent complications.
Understanding the structures of the spine
The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae stacked on top of one another and divided into sections. These bones protect the spinal cord, the bundle of nerves that carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Vertebrae are designed to bend, twist, and allow the body to move while still providing protection to the important nerves of the spinal cord.
The spine is typically divided into five specific regions:
- Cervical spine (neck): 7 vertebrae
- Thoracic spine (upper back): 12 vertebrae
- Lumbar spine (lower back): 5 vertebrae
- Sacral spine (pelvic area): 5 fused vertebrae
- Coccyx (tailbone): 4 fused vertebrae
Each part of the spine plays a different role in the structure and stability of the body. Some areas of the spine are more mobile than others. Other areas are less flexible and designed to provide added strength and structural support. These differences are why some parts of the spine are more prone to injury than others.
The cervical spine: Mobile and vulnerable
The cervical spine in the neck is thought to be the most vulnerable part of the spine. The vertebrae in this section are numbered C1-C7. These vertebrae support the head and allow the neck to move in multiple directions.
The cervical spine is mobile and also relatively exposed, making it more susceptible to injuries. Rapid movement injuries are common in the cervical spine and are frequently experienced in car accidents. These can include injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, fractures, dislocations, and spinal cord damage.
Injuries to the cervical spine can be serious because of its proximity to the brain. The nerves that are protected by the cervical spine can become damaged, resulting in the loss of some bodily functions and even leading to paralysis of the arms and legs.
The lumbar spine: Bearing the body’s weight
Another area of the spine that is highly susceptible to injury is the lumbar spine, located in the lower back. These vertebrae are numbered L1 through L5. These vertebrae are responsible for bearing much of the body’s weight. This portion of the spine is also responsible for allowing the body to bend, lift, and twist. As such, movements like these (especially when they involve added weight) can lead to injuries.
Common lumbar injuries include herniated discs, muscle or ligament tears, compression fractures, and degenerative disc issues. Disc herniations are particularly common between the L4-L5 vertebrae and between the L5-S1 vertebrae. Injuries to this area affect the nerves that control the lower body. Individuals can experience pain or even loss of bladder control.
The thoracic spine: More stable, but still at risk
The thoracic spine, located in the upper and middle back, is more stable than the cervical spine or lumbar spine, but it still isn’t immune to injuries. The vertebrae in this region, T1-T12, are attached to the rib cage, giving it more stability and protection than other areas of the spine.
Because of the additional support, the thoracic spine is less likely to become injured than the other areas of the spine. However, injuries to the thoracic spine can still occur in high-impact accidents, like car crashes or falls.
Injuries in this area can lead to core muscle movement problems and significant, prolonged pain issues.
Sacral and coccygeal spinal regions
The sacral region is the portion of the spine near the pelvis. The vertebrae in this area are fused and connect the spine to the hip bones. Below the sacrum lies the coccyx, or tailbone. These areas are less frequently injured because they are in a more protected position in the body. Injuries to these areas can happen from hard falls on the buttocks, direct blows during accidents, or severe impacts during sports.
Sacral nerve injuries can affect sensation in the lower body and may affect bladder and bowel control. Although coccyx injuries are less severe, they can still cause serious pain when sitting and moving.
When a spinal injury is caused by negligence
Sometimes a person suffers a spinal injury due to an accident that could have been avoided. When someone else’s carelessness leads to a serious injury, victims may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
A personal injury claim can help recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Missed work
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that even if a person is partially at fault for the accident that caused their injuries, they can still collect compensation from the other parties. Their compensation, however, will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Seeking legal guidance after a spinal injury
A spinal injury can change your life instantly. Suddenly, you have medical bills, appointments, and pain that may cause you to miss work or never be able to return to your work. The recovery process can take months, years, or even leave you permanently disabled.
The attorneys at Merkel & Cocke, P.A. understand the seriousness of spinal injuries. We help victims and their families through the entire claims process, easing the burden of their recovery and protecting them against lowball settlement offers. If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal injury, contact our office to find out how we can help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Charles M. Merkel, III attended the University of Mississippi for his undergraduate and law degrees, graduating with honors from both. Upon graduation, he received the coveted position as a judicial law clerk for US District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Jackson Division. Mr. Merkel joined Merkel & Cocke, P.A. in 2002, where he works with clients who have sustained serious injuries because of negligence, medical malpractice and defective products. He has received many honors, included being cited by Super Lawyers, National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, and Best Lawyers in America. Learn more about Charles M. Merkel, III.