Neck, Spinal Cord, and Back Injury in Los Angeles

Your spinal cord is comprised of vertebrae that can be fractured, broken, bruised, or even separated. When this occurs, you may experience pain, limited movement, or paralysis. The symptoms will depend on the severity of the injury. Some common spinal cord injuries include the following.

• Cervical Vertebrae: The cervical vertebrae support the neck. Spinal injuries to the cervical vertebrae affect the nerves that control the back of the head, the shoulders, the arms, the hands, and the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm is an important muscle used when breathing; therefore, cervical injuries can be severely life-threatening when they limit the ability to breathe.
• Thoracic Vertebrae: The thoracic vertebrae support the upper and middle back. The thoracic nerves control the chest muscles, some of the upper back muscles, and parts of the abdomen. Injuries to this area can not only restrict one's ability to move independently and to breathe but can limit the function of the digestive system and necessitate permanent medical assistance.
• Lumbar Vertebrae: The lumbar vertebrae support the lower back. The nerves of the lumbar spine control the lower abdomen, the lower back, the buttocks muscles, and parts of the legs and genitals. Spinal cord injuries to this area can lead to paraplegia, loss of bladder and bowel control, and sexual dysfunction.
• Sacral Vertebrae: The sacral vertebrae are the five fused vertebrae that form the sacrum at the base of the spine. Injury to this area of the spine can reduce or eliminate the ability to control the thighs, lower legs, feet, and external genitals.
• Coccygeal Vertebrae: The Coccygeal vertebrae or tailbone is the area on the lower back that controls the sensation of the skin. Injuries here are often painful but are rarely serious.

Morgan & Morgan is the largest personal injury law firm in the nation, and we have recovered more than $20 billion in damages for our clients. Contact Morgan & Morgan to learn more about your neck, spinal cord, and back injury case in Los Angeles.