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The spinal cord is the body’s ‘information superhighway'.
The spinal cord enables communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It contains bundles of neurons that carry signals to and from the brain that control almost every function of our bodies. All the information needed to initiate and control movement travels down the spinal cord from the brain to the muscles of the body.

Cervical Spine C1 – C8
Injury in this area impairs function from the neck down, including swallowing, speech and movement of the arms and hands.
These effects are in addition to loss of function in the thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions.

Thoracic Spine T1 – T12
Injury in this area causes difficulties with breathing and digestion.
These effects are in addition to loss of function in the lumbar and sacral regions.

Lumbar Spine L1 – L5
Injury in this area impairs movement in the legs and feet.
These effects are in addition to loss of function in the sacral region.

Sacral Spine S1 – S5
Injury in this area impairs the key areas of bladder and bowel control, affecting daily life and independence. Sexual function is also impeded

Signals from every part of the body also pass up the spinal cord.
These signals relay sensory information (such as touch, pressure and heat) to the areas of the brain that deal with these sensations and our responses to them. After spinal cord injury, damaged neurons are unable to conduct signals and the injured person loses sensory information and muscle control.