Spinal Nerves

These vital nerves branch off throughout the body to create a huge network of neurological tissues, both large and small. In some instances, spinal nerves grow together to form larger nerve, such as in the case of the sciatic. In other cases, they split up to form a seemingly endless number of smaller nerves.

Types of Spinal Nerves

There are 12 sets of thoracic nerves which exit the spine between each thoracic vertebra. These nerves serve the trunk of the body, including the frontal and rear torso and abdominal regions.

There are 5 sets of lumbar nerves which branch off the cauda equina in between each lumbar vertebra. These serve parts of the pelvis, buttocks, hips, legs and feet.

There are 5 sets of sacral nerves which branch off the cauda equina in the sacrum. These serve the genitals, anus and parts of the legs and feet.

There is a single pair of coccygeal nerves at the base of the spine.

Varieties of Spinal Nerves

Motor nerves control muscular movement in their respective bodily locations. A motor dysfunction will prevent a set of muscles from being activated to their full potential or in totality.

Sensory nerves control feeling, sensation and stimuli experienced in their respective bodily locations. Dysfunction will produce unusual sensations, such as pain, or a complete lack of sensation, such as objective numbness.

Autonomic nerves manage autonomic processes which are not consciously controlled. Autonomic nerve damage can have severe effects in many areas of the body, including blood pressure concerns, digestive problems, internal organ failure and death.

Neurological Spinal Problems

Ischemic processes can also create a similar symptomology as physical compression. Luckily, ischemia does not do any long term damage and can usually be treated effectively, as long as the condition is recognized as being an oxygen deprivation issue and not a structural impingement process.