Spinal/Neck Injuries- Symptoms, Cause, Effect, and Treatment
In sport related injuries, spinal and neck injuries can be caused by a variety of different actions. Most commonly though, is when one hits someone in football or other high contact sports with improper form causing intense impact on the neck and spine.
At the junction of C2 and C3 is where flexion and extension occur.
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C3 level injuries will show symptoms of the following:
Limited range of motion
Loss of diaphragm function
Paralysis in arms, hands, torso, and legs
Trouble controlling bladder and bowel function
C3 Vertebrae
C4 Vertebrae
The portion of the spine where the C4 vertebrae is located is directly associated with the diaphragm.
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C4 level injuries will show symptoms of the following:
Loss of diaphragm function
Ventilator for breathing (possibly)
Limited range of motion
Paralysis in arms, hands, legs, and torso
Trouble controlling bladder and bowel function
C5 Vertebrae
The C5 vertebrae affects the vocal cords, bicep, and deltoid muscles in the upper arm.
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C5 level injuries will show symptoms of the following:
Weakened breathing
Paralysis is torso, legs, wrists, and hands
Paralysis may be experienced on one or both sides of the body
Limited independent function