Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Quick Guide

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury happens when the spinal cord is damaged by trauma (such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury) or a medical condition. This damage disrupts the signals between the brain and the body, leading to changes in movement, sensation, bowel/bladder control, and other functions below the injury site. Every SCI is unique, and with modern rehabilitation, many people live full, active lives.

How SCI Levels Are Described
The standard way to describe an SCI level combines the spinal region (C = cervical/neck, T = thoracic/upper or mid-back, L = lumbar/lower back, S = sacral/tailbone) with the lowest number where normal motor or sensory function is preserved. Examples:

“I have a C6 SCI"

“She has a T8 spinal cord injury”

“The patient had an L4 SCI”

This shorthand tells doctors, therapists, and the community exactly where the injury occurred and what functions may be affected.

Spinal Cord Regions and Typical Effects
The spinal cord is divided into four main regions, each controlling different parts of the body:

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• Cervical (C1–C8): Neck region → affects arms, hands, trunk, legs, and sometimes breathing.

• Thoracic (T1–T12): Upper/mid-back → affects trunk and legs.

• Lumbar (L1–L5): Lower back → affects legs, hips, and feet.

• Sacral (S1–S5): Tailbone → mainly affects bowel, bladder, sexual function, and some foot movement.

Paraplegia vs. Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia)
These terms describe the extent of paralysis (many people in the SCI community use “para” or “quad” as friendly shorthand):

• Paraplegia (or “para”): Paralysis or weakness mainly in the lower body (legs, feet, toes, bowel/bladder). The abdomen and trunk may also be affected depending on the exact thoracic or lumbar level. Arms and hands are usually unaffected.

• Tetraplegia (also called quadriplegia or “quad”): Paralysis or weakness in both the upper and lower body (hands, fingers, wrists, arms, chest, legs, bowel/bladder). Depending on the cervical level, it may also affect neck, shoulders, or breathing.

Complete vs. Incomplete Injuries
After the level, doctors often add whether the injury is “complete” or “incomplete”:

• Complete: No motor or sensory function below the injury (including the sacral segments S4–S5).

• Incomplete: Some motor or sensory signals still pass through the injury site—ranging from minimal to quite a bit of function.

This is determined by a standardized exam called the ASIA Impairment Scale (A = complete; B–D = incomplete; E = normal). Incomplete injuries often have better potential for recovery.

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Important Notes

• Huge variation exists—even two people with the same “C6 SCI” can have very different abilities depending on injury severity, how much recovery occurs, age, overall health, and rehabilitation.

• Common additional effects (regardless of level) can include changes in bowel/bladder control, blood pressure regulation, spasticity, or breathing. These are managed with medical care, equipment, and therapy.

• Recovery and hope: Especially with incomplete injuries, many people regain significant function in the first year and beyond. Advances in rehab, adaptive technology, and research continue to improve quality of life every day.

This quick guide is for general education only—always consult a physician or SCI specialist for individual advice. For more resources, check the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, your local SCI Model System, or the American Spinal Injury Association.