Which spinal nerves affect which parts of the body?
The nerves of the cervical spine go to the upper chest and arms. The nerves in your thoracic spine go to your chest and abdomen. The nerves of the lumbar spine then reach to your legs, bowel, and bladder. These nerves coordinate and control all the body’s organs and parts, and let you control your muscles.
What nerves are in the spinal cord?
The Central Nervous System is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The brain has 12 cranial nerves. The spinal cord, which originates immediately below the brain stem, extends to the first lumbar vertebra (L1)….Nerve Structures of the Spine.
| SPINAL CORD | 31 Pairs – Spinal Nerves |
|---|---|
| Thoracic | 12 pair |
| Lumbar | 5 pair |
| Sacral | 5 pair |
| Coccyx | 1 pair |
How many nerves are in the spinal cord?
Ligaments attached to the vertebrae also serve as supportive structures. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves and roots. Eight pairs of cervical nerves exit the cervical cord at each vertebral level. One member of the pair exits on the right side and the other exits on the left.
Which vertebrae affect which nerves?
The spinal nerves are numbered according to the vertebrae above which it exits the spinal canal. The 8 cervical spinal nerves are C1 through C8, the 12 thoracic spinal nerves are T1 through T12, the 5 lumbar spinal nerves are L1 through L5, and the 5 sacral spinal nerves are S1 through S5. There is 1 coccygeal nerve.
What is the signs of nerve damage?
Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include: Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms. Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain. Extreme sensitivity to touch.
What part of the spine controls your legs?
lumbar spinal cord
The lumbar spinal cord is the lower area of the back. Nerve roots coming from the spinal cord in the lumbar spine control the legs. The lumbar region is where the spinal cord ends (the spinal cord is shorter than the spine).
What part of the spine controls the legs?
What spinal nerves affect the legs?
Sciatic Nerve Anatomy
- The sciatic nerve is formed in the lower spine by the combination of motor and sensory fibers from spinal nerves L4 to S3.
- This long, thick, and bulky nerve runs along the back of the thigh and leg and terminates in the foot.
- The nerve supplies most areas of the thigh, leg, and foot.
Is nerve damage a disability?
If you suffer from a condition that causes nerve damage that is so severe that it impacts your ability to work for at least a year, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits.
What bones protect the spinal cord?
Vertebrae: The spine has 33 stacked vertebrae (small bones) that form the spinal canal. The spinal canal is a tunnel that houses the spinal cord and nerves, protecting them from injury. Most vertebrae move to allow for a range of motion. The lowest vertebrae (sacrum and coccyx) are fused together and don’t move.