Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is the main nerve conduit between the brain and the rest of the body. Large nerves join into the spine at various levels. These nerves then branch out and join with all the smaller nerves carrying signals throughout the body.

The nerves at the upper part of the spine connect to the arms and areas in the upper body. The nerves in the middle of the spine connect to the abdominals and areas in the middle of our body. The nerves in the lower spine connect to the legs and lower parts of our body. This is the reason we experience symptoms in other areas of our body when the spine is injured.

Nerves that connect to the spine come in 3 varieties, motor nerves, sensory nerves, and autonomic nerves. Motor nerves supply signals that create movement in a muscle. Sensory nerves transmit signals of �feeling� such as temperature, texture and pain. Autonomic nerves transmit signals that control involuntary reactions, such as heart rate and digestion.

* Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal injury is a serious occurrence. If a nerve is damaged, it might be a permanent condition. Nerve injury will lead to decreased feeling and usage in the body part that is served by that damaged nerve.

Return to Back Pain Home page 5/15/06 Revised 6/9/07