An injury to the thoracic spinal cord affects vertebrae that number from T1 through T12. A serious impact to this region can affect an accident victim’s upper chest, mid-back, and abdominal muscles. As a result, the accident victim may also have difficulty controlling the breathing muscles, diaphragm, rib cage, or the lungs.
This area of the spinal cord also helps an individual to control their balance and posture. An individual who suffers from a thoracic spinal cord injury in a serious accident may lose the ability to move their legs, abdominal muscles, or lower back muscles. Consequently, they may develop paraplegia. Despite an accident victim’s loss of control over their lower back or legs, they may still have full control over the hands and arms.
