While spinal cord injuries can result from damage to any portion of the spinal cord or nerves at its base, these injuries typically are divided into three main areas: cervical spinal cord, thoracic spinal cord, lumbar spinal cord.

The cervical spinal cord consists of a total of eight vertebrae, ranging from the top to bottom as C1-C8. Cervical spine damage, such as a C6 spinal cord injury, may potentially impact everything below the top of the rib cage, therefore resulting in quadriplegia.

The thoracic spinal cord is situated in the middle of the spinal cord and contains 12 vertebrae, numbered T1-T12. This range of the spinal cord, in conjunction with spinal nerves, controls the main trunk of the body and aids in coordinating movement in the lower body. Learn more about T1-T8 and T9-T12 spinal cord injuries.

The lumbar spinal cord is the lower region of the spinal cord, where it naturally begins to curve. This area of the spine consists of five vertebrae, numbered L1-L5. This region of the spinal column coordinates sensations in the lower body, including bladder and sexual functions.

The sacral spine, an area of vertebrae and nerves that is located between the bottom of the lumbar spine and the coccyx (tailbone), can undermine sensation in the lower regions of the body. This region of the spine does not contain any spinal cord tissue. So while it is possible to injure the vertebrae or nerves, damage cannot be directly inflicted on your spinal cord at this location.

The coccygeal region consists of bones that may be fused together and a single vertebral nerve that is located at the base of the spinal cord.