However after trying FitMi, I could feel that slowly and steadily I am improving. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine In the case of thoracic spinal cord injury (T1-T6), the incidences of central sleep apnea and periodic breathing . Frequent medical and physiotherapy assessments are advised in order to monitor the individual's condition. There are many kinds of injuries that can lead to a cervical SCI, such as complete and incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries, ligament C-spine injuries, spinal lesions, and more. This is an effective technique in secretion clearance and improving ventilation. I believe this device will help me concentrate on making the repetitive actions needed to obtain further movement range in my wrist and hand and arm and therefore rating it with five stars. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Caregiver education and extensive training must be conducted by the entire multidisciplinary team. Watch this 2minute animation of the Mechanics of breathing. Respiratory management in the patient with spinal cord injury. 2015 Jan 18;6(1):17. Includes sacral segments S4/5. It can also disrupt the signals that do reach the muscles, making the muscles "jump" on their own. Those with SCI (C2-C8) are at great risk for developing hypoventilation, especially during sleep, and this risk increases along with the risk of sleep disordered breathing as they age. Get in touch with us now. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! Feb 21-23, 2008. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. The condition can be fatal if untreated. Intercostal Technique (Rib Bucket Handles) - Advanced Myofascial Techniques DVD Series. This can help you achieve higher repetition of exercises and increase strength and coordination. Most can be considered traumatica forceful injury that directly damages or fractures the spine vertebrae. soinal Xrays, myelography, computed tomography scanning, MRI Depending on the severity, some may encounter positive results more swiftly than others. Although it can lead to spinal weakness, which in turn can increase chance ofspinal cord injuriesthrough bone weakness, this is not something which occurs rapidly. Reflexes. Sleep disordered breathing following spinal cord injury. 2019. Individuals respond to many of the treatments within as little as a few weeks. Get instant access to our free exercise ebook for SCI survivors. Although these are designed to assist the person, they can sometimes cause the spine to becometoorigid. After a spinal cord injury, survivors are often more vulnerable to other infections. In short, an injury to vertebra C-4 would be significantly higher on the spine (and is likely to be more limiting) than a similar injury to the T-3 or L-5 spinal cord vertebrae. These are similar tosymptoms of a spinal cord injury, and this follows a slow progression, and is usually a slow deterioration. The Impact and Outcomes of Cervical Spine Injures, 7. Suffering from a cold or other respiratory infection. If you develop symptoms, don't feel guilty; talk to your doctor. Cervical SCI. 2013;2013. Adequate hydration is an important element in the effective mobilisation of secretion. Neuroplasticity helps restore communication between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles to eventually improve function. Tell your doctor if you have a previous diagnosis of sleep apnea, or if you've begun snoring since your injury. Weight gain because of decreased activity. A damaged spinal cord can affect: Bladder and bowel (intestinal) function. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms The symptoms will vary depending on where the injury occurs. People with an incomplete injury are more likely than people with a complete injury to regain control of more muscle movement, but there is no way to know how much, if any, will return. For example, a C1-C4 level injury will often mean that the individual has severe difficulty with breathing and speaking. pp 84-85. Hypoventilation after spinal cord injury There are ~12,000 new cases per year in the United States of spinal cord injury (SCI) with life expectancies from 11 to 14 years (ventilator dependent) to 44 years (non-ventilator dependent). Tetraplegia, which impedes mobility and sensation in the arms, legs, and below the site of the injury. Spinal cord infarction is a rare disorder caused by a wide variety of pathologies. While not nearly as prevalent, non-traumatic injury to the spinal cord is a possibility from causes such as tumors, blood loss or stenosis. Although it can, at some point, increase chance of spinal cord injury in very severe cases, it is a common diagnosis which reacts well totreatment. The thoracic spine allows mechanical alignment support for the rib cage. During normal conversation, an adult person usually produces about 16.55 syllables per breath. They give a single injection of either two million, 10 million, or 20 million AST-OPC1s within 21 . In anincomplete spinal cord injurythe spinal cord is only partially severed, with some spared neural pathways for movement and sensation remaining below the level of injury. The higher in the cervical spine the injury is, the worse the prognosis will be. A cervical spinal cord injury is the term for any kind of injury that impacts the C1-C7 sections of the cervical spinei.e. The cervical spinal cord, which is the topmost section of thespinal cord, consists of a series of nerves (C1-C8), which are identified to their corresponding cervical vertebral regions. Long-term noninvasive ventilation for patients with thoracic cage abnormalities. Individuals with spinal cord injuries often do not have a strong enough cough to get rid of the buildup, which causes secretions to accumulate. Home Neurological Recovery Blog Spinal Cord Injury C7 Spinal Cord Injury: What to Expect in the Aftermath & Recovery Process. BioMed research international. Note: a patient with a spinal cord injury who has a, Difficulties with productive cough and clearance of secretions, Spastic contraction of the abdominal muscles, Restricted positions and mobility limitations, Decreased mucociliary activity (related to mechanical ventilation), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure below -20cmH2O, Observe and palpate breathing patterns by looking at the chest from the anterior and posterior view (upper, middle and lower chest expansion). A spinal cord injury weakens your body, allowing infections to quickly spread. Hagen EM. Because a C7 spinal cord injury allows for use of the triceps and wrist extensors, survivors may also be able to transfer (move from one surface to another) and use a manual wheelchair on their own. Keppler, J. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPovpAXcmIU, The Neuromuscular Respiratory System: Physiology, Pathophysiology, and a Respiratory Care Approach to Patients, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqkMzds77f8, Reduced Chest and Abdominal Wall Mobility and Their Relationship to Lung Function, Respiratory Muscle Strength, and Exercise Tolerance in Subjects With COPD, Respiratory complications associated with spinal cord injury, Systematic Review of Incidence Studies of Pneumonia in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury, B2: BACK IT UP! Has increased use of rib and chest muscles, or trunk control. Background: Respiratory muscle impairment following cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) may lead to reduced voice function, although the individual variation is large. When an individual experiences cervical spondylosis, pain is mostly felt in the neck area. Every spinal cord injury is different and therehabilitation processmay look different for everyone. However, in some cases, they may experience difficulty taking a deep breath and exhaling forcefully. Spinal cord injuries to the C6, C7, and C8 levels that are treated immediately have the best chance for recovery. There will be loss of feeling as well as some tingling sensation below the level of the injury. A C-PAP machine may help. Thelevel of injuryrefers to the lowest region of the spinal cord where sensation and motor function exist. Complete injuries result in the total loss of movement and sensation below the point of injury, while incomplete injuries indicate that some function below the level of injury is retained. 500. Two major areas of research include neuroprotection, ways to prevent . Breath Stacking Techniques. Neural pathways may become damaged or destroyed after a C7 spinal cord injury, making it difficult for the brain to communicate with the body via the spinal cord. Muscle movement. A high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) after spinal cord injury (SCI) has been reported in the literature; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. The patient has a pillow placed under the rib cage or a towel roll along the spine. Long term ventilation may be required with high cervical (C3 and above) spinal cord injury. It is caused by injury to the neck region of the spinal cord (between C1 and C7 vertebrae). Back support should fit each person to optimise posture and function. Spinal cord nerves innervate, or connect to, different parts of the body and can control both sensation and movement. Problems with temperature regulation happen in people with cervical and high thoracic spinal cord injuries. Patients typically present with acute paraparesis or quadriparesis depending on the level of the spinal cord involved. Which age group is MOST prone to injuries of the spine? Despite advances made in the understanding of the pathogenesis and improvements in early recognition and treatment, it remains a devastating event, often producing severe and permanent disability. Wang HC, Lin YT, Huang CC, Lin MC, Liaw MY, Lu CH. Experimental treatments; these treatments have often shown promise in early clinical trials, but are not guaranteed to work. These include medication known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and exercise like swimming and walking. stabilize spine, perfom ROM exercises, immobilize the patient, listen to lungs, provide clear explanations, monitor vitals, neuro status, respiratory status, skin integrity. A patient with a C7 spinal cord injury undergoing rehabilitation tells you he must have the flu because he has a bad headache and nausea. Hi friends this video show how to do the balance training in high level spinal cord injury quadriplegia person If you like the video please subscribe to this channel and get notified whenever. SpinalHub. Obstet Med. Although these symptoms may be challenging to overcome, they can sometimes be positivesigns of recovery from spinal cord injurybecause this indicates that there may be connections between your brain, spinal cord, and muscles remaining. is an 18-yr-old high school student who sustained a C7 spinal cord injury when she dove into a lake while swimming with her friends. Epub 2012 Sep 7. Primary systems involved in normal respiration are the following: Skeletal support for ventilation include: During inspiration, the upper ribs move primarily in an anterior and superior direction, the middle ribs move in all three planes of movement (anterior, superior and lateral), and the lower ribs move primarily in a lateral and superior direction. This type of SCI is regarded as the most severe. Each . Spinal cord injury research seeks new ways to cure or treat spinal cord injury in order to lessen the debilitating effects of the injury in the short or long term. In a hot environment, the body normally . 1996 Jun;2(2):241-52. It is recommended that individuals with limited cough capabilities use a cough-assist machine of some kind to help clear fluids from the lungs. NIV support is also known to be used for initial ventilatory support or weaning and as night support. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal [5]. [27], Get Top Tips Tuesday and The Latest Physiopedia updates, The content on or accessible through Physiopedia is for informational purposes only. Complete spinal cord injuries often result in total loss of mobility and sensation. The C7 spinal nerve exits through the intervertebral foramen between the C6 and C7 vertebrae. Rehabilitation can include a combination of physical and occupational therapy exercises that focus on improving mobility, strength, and function after a spinal cord injury. The C7 dermatome is an area of skin that receives sensations through the C7 nerve. A person with a spinal cord injury can have difficulties with secretion mobilisation due to expiratory muscle weakness (i.e. Though most C-spine injury survivors experience similar symptoms, spinal cord injuries are unpredictable. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. For instance, if you notice your hand function improving, challenge yourself to perform tasks without adaptive tools. Design by Elementor, C7 Spinal Cord Injury: What to Expect in the Aftermath & Recovery Process, nervous systems ability to rewire itself, signs of recovery from spinal cord injury. Paresis or paralysis of the respiratory muscles can lead to respiratory insufficiency, which is dependent on the level and completeness of the injury. [1], Erect positions can negatively affect ventilation due to a flattened diaphragm and the forward movement of abdominal content due to weak abdominal muscles. 2D & 3D Animation and Explainer Videos. Epub 2013 Jun 17. Body temperature may change somewhat with the air temperature: if you are in a cold place, body temperature will drop; if you are in a very warm place, body temperature will rise. If you liked this post, youll LOVE our emails and ebook. [25] Physiotherapists can assist individuals with a spinal cord injury to sit up in a chair once the spinal fractures are surgically stabilised. Breathing Assistance for Spinal Cord Injuries There are generally two main types of breathing assistance for those with spinal cord injuries. Galeiras Vzquez R, Rascado Sedes P, Mourelo Faria M, Montoto Marqus A, Ferreiro Velasco ME. This condition, commonly known as tetraplegia or quadriplegia, impedes your ability to move your arms, legs, and torso. Ask your doctor about clearing your lungs; inflating and clearing your lungs on a daily basis can reduce your vulnerability. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 16 to 35 years B. 3 Numbness in the palm, index finger, and middle finger. Spinal cord injury Spinal cord injury above T6 can be complicated by autonomic dysreflexia, in which noxious stimuli below the injury level trigger an unregulated sympathetic response, leading to severe hypertension. The largest difficulty in preventing cervical myelopathy is that often people do not experience symptoms. Skin problems such as bedsores, particularly if you do not get regular exercise therapy. Other functions may include full control of the head, neck, shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Eyes and head move up with passive or active trunk extension paired with inspiration, Eyes and head move down with passive or active trunk flexion paired with expiration. Changes in mood or personality. As it sounds, an incomplete injury at C5, for . The neuro-respiratory system includes the cortex of the brain which is responsible for controlling voluntary breathing and the brainstem which controls automatic breathing. Cough effectiveness in each of four phases of cough: inspiration phase, hold phase, force phase, and expulsion phase. This is often assessed by the colour of the urine (pale green-yellow vs. dark orange when dehydrated). Support groups to help you gain insight and support from other spinal cord injury survivors. The life expectancy for a person aged 20 years who suffers a high tetraplegia spinal injury and survives at least one year is around 33.7 years. These injuries typically yield better long-term outcomes, particularly as the initial swelling recedes. For example, a C3 spinal cord injury or a C6 spinal cord injury will have a more significant impact on a patient than damage affecting the lumbar spinal cord region, such as an L3 spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord Injury Levels The C8 dermatome is an area of skin that receives sensation through the C8 nerve. Doctors classify spinal cord injuries as either complete or incomplete. References Barr, M, and Kiernan, J. 2013 Mar;6(1):45. doi: 10.1177/1753495X12473752. Symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet can come on gradually or more suddenly, depending on the cause. Spinal cord injuries can have a catastrophic effect on a person's life. Clin Sci 1994;86:375-81. To help improve respiratory function andoverall health after aC6 spinal cord injury, its vital to remain as physically active as possible. Click here to get instant access. World journal of orthopedics. However, upper body function may be spared in a C7 spinal cord injury because this segment is further down the cervical region of the spinal cord. Your doctor might also fuse some of the vertebrae in your spinal column together. People with injuries impacting the C6-68 levels of the spinal cord still can breathe on their own. Injury to the lower cervical nerves and/or the spinal cord may result in paralysis of the upper and lower extremities (arms and legs) and can cause bowel and bladder dysfunction. Such an injury should cause a loss of sensations in C4 dermatome and weak deltoids (C4) due to injury to the C4 roots. Observe ribs spacing and function: side-bending, rib separation, symmetry in static and dynamic situations. Cervical spinal injury occurs in 2% of victims of blunt trauma; the incidence is increased if the Glasgow Coma Scale score is less than 8 or if there is a focal neurologic deficit. 2013 Sep 15;188(3):344-54. doi: 10.1016/j.resp.2013.06.009. There is also a system of receptors and nerves regulating the process of ventilation.[8]. It is essential to prioritize movement during the recovery journey as this helps lower the risk of further injury or othercomplications of a spinal cord injury. Read more, Physiopedia 2023 | Physiopedia is a registered charity in the UK, no. Remain as active as you can, staying involved in physical therapy and sitting upright as frequently as possible. The spinal cord and motor neurons are also elements of this system and are responsible for transmitting nerve impulses to the respiratory muscles, closing the loop of the action of respiration. Consistent practice of therapeutic exercises helps stimulate the nervous system and activate neuroplasticity, which is essential for C7 spinal cord injury recovery. Predictors of respiratory complications in patients with C5T5 spinal cord injuries. Available from: John Gibbons. Spinal nerves also innervate different groups of muscles, calledmyotomes. Available from: CANVent Ottawa. A buildup of these secretions can result in a variety of secondary conditions such as respiratory infections and lung congestion. 2017. Physiopedia articles are best used to find the original sources of information (see the references list at the bottom of the article). If you believe that this Physiopedia article is the primary source for the information you are refering to, you can use the button below to access a related citation statement. Pediatr Pulmonol. Abstract and Figures There are ~12,000 new cases per year in the United States of spinal cord injury (SCI) with life expectancies from 11 to 14 years (ventilator dependent) to 44 years. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether someone else is at fault for your injuries, then seek compensation that can help you fund medical care, create an accessible home, and adjust to your new life. This technique uses a cough assist device via a face mask or a tracheostomy tube to push the air into the lungs and then the secretion is suctioned out. It also coordinates reflexes, so damage to the spinal cord can significantly impede functioneven if the rest of the body is healthy. Because spinal cord injuries are so unpredictable, though, you should talk to your doctor about physical therapy and other treatment options. Some people spontaneously recover from their injuries; others make little progress even with quality physical therapy and dedicated medical care. Physical therapyparticularly focuses on improving your gross motor skills involving large muscle groups such as the arms, legs, and torso. During quiet and forceful inhalation and forceful exhalation, the intercostals contract concentrically when controlled exhalation demands eccentric contraction. Get a flu shot every year, as long as your doctor says it is safe for you to do so. Studieshave shown that individuals with a C7 spinal cord injury can have many upper body functions remain intact. Spinal cord. J Spinal Cord Med. Despite being very effective, this technique is traumatic to the soft tissue of the airways. Due to the continuity of the connective tissue throughout the body, the superficial restrictions can extend deeper, restricting the mobility of the entire musculoskeletal system including fascia, tendons, muscles and joints. Spinal cord compression is caused by a condition that puts pressure on your spinal cord. 2009 Jun;30(3):249-51. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1222475. Difficulty breathing at night, or an increase in snoring. Mapping Out Your Health for 2023. No motor function, just sensory. The different areas these nerves innervate are called dermatomes and myotomes, which can be tested for function by a doctor or therapist. This can cause blood to pool in the arms and legs, reducing blood supply returned to the heart. external oblique, internal oblique, rectus and transversus abdominis weakness). Effects of C-7 and T-1 Injuries 400. Epub 2009 Sep 1. This nerve has a sensory root and a motor root. Central apneas and periodic breathing are seen in spinal cord injury, with a higher prevalence in more proximal injuries, reaching 63% and 88%, respectively, in C5-C7 spinal cord injuries compared with 13% and 38% in T1-T6 spinal cord injuries. Treatment and Prognosis for Cervical Spine Injuries, National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, Kendig & Chernicks Disorders of the Respiratory Tract in Children. Cervical spine injuries, although uncommon, can result in significant and long-term disability. Even with a complete SCI, the spinal cord is rarely cut or transected. The use of a wheelchair, walker, and other devices to aid mobility. Home-based overnight transcutaneous capnography/pulse oximetry for diagnosing nocturnal hypoventilation associated with neuromuscular disorders. the vertebrae in the neck. Available from: Schreiber AF, Garlasco J, Vieira F, Lau YH, Stavi D, Lightfoot D, Rigamonti A, Burns K, Friedrich JO, Singh JM, Brochard LJ. A direct relationship exists between the level of cord injury and the degree of respiratory dysfunction, as follows: With high lesions (ie, C1 or C2), vital capacity is only 5-10% of normal,. Spinal cord injury has become epidemic in modern society. Electrical stimulation is giving new hope to people with severe spinal cord injury. When trunk muscles are too weak to support upright sitting, proper wheelchair seating and positioning is needed to optimise respiration and facilitate the use of accessory muscles.[13]. High-Cervical Nerves (C1 - C4) Most severe of the spinal cord injury levels. Learning to deal with the limitations of the injury is a very important part of the recovery phase. The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. What is your initial action? Kathleen Fisher Spinal cord injury. Epub 2013 Mar 1. The acute phase begins at the time of injury, and lasts until the person is stabilized. Individuals should be cooperative and the preferred technique should be conducted during the day via a mouthpiece and at night, via a nosepiece. Top Contributors - Ewa Jaraczewska, Eugenie Lamprecht, Lucinda hampton, Jess Bell, Kim Jackson, Naomi O'Reilly, Vidya Acharya, Chelsea Mclene and Kirenga Bamurange Liliane, Respiratory dysfunction is one of the most common medical complications, as well as the leading cause of reduced Quality of Life (QoL) and mortality among individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries. These two functions depend on intercostal and abdominal muscle engagement (innervated at T1-L1 levels). Huang S, Liu X, Zhang J, Bao G, Xu G, Sun Y, Shen Q, Lian M, Huang Y, Cui Z. Available from: CANVentOttawa. We evaluated the evidence related to this topic by performing a systematic review of the published literature. People whose spinal cord injuries did cause complete paralysis may still have a good chance of muscle recovery if they have sensation in the lower part of their body just after injury. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the Individuals with a C7 spinal cord injury in particular may have limited or absent sensation (feeling) or movement below the shoulders and/or neck. C. Take the patient's blood pressure. 2003 Dec;36(6):544-8. doi: 10.1002/ppul.10392. If cervical myelopathy is left untreated, it can lead to permanent spinal cord damage, and potential long-term disability. The more a function is practiced, the stronger its neural pathways will become. This can involve exercises focusing on strength, range of motion, and coordination. Chest physiotherapy performed by the respiratory therapist, nurse and/or physiotherapist is a key element in the post-extubation procedure. PAP Ventilators For the first 3 years post his injury he was so weak . FOIA Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the spinal cord and vertebral column. The lower the level of injury, the higher the chances of retaining movement and sensation. Diagnosis entails measurement of pCO (2) with capnography both awake and during sleep, optimally along with polysomnography to evaluate for all forms of sleep disordered breathing. SCI causes an alteration in neurotransmitters and proteins both below and above the injury ( 91-93 ), and preliminary data showed that, after a high cervical SCI . In their primary role, the intercostals stabilise the rib cage during inhalation and assist with rib depression during forced expiration. We sought to determine the effect of the withdrawal of the the vertebrae in the neck. The severity of a C7 spinal cord injury depends on whether the injury was complete or incomplete. Insufficient blood supply can cause dysfunction in your major organs. What equipment is needed for level C7-T1? Paralysis in arms, hands, trunk and legs. One is positive airway pressure (PAP) ventilators, often called "mechanical ventilation." The second is diaphragm pacing. Damage to the nerves causes a disruption in the pathway that carries messages up and down the spinal cord between the brain . Dermatomesare regions of the skin supplied by sensory neurons from a single spinal nerve. It is, however, extremely important for physiotherapists to consider using abdominal binders and slow progressive elevation during the spinal shock phase, as an individual with spinal cord injury may struggle with hypotension and increased work of breathing in the upright position. Life with a C-Spine Injury: How to Avoid Respiratory Complications, 3. Green-Yellow vs. dark orange when dehydrated ) in snoring have the best chance for recovery and ebook acute paraparesis quadriparesis! A single injection of either two million, 10 million, 10,... Sensory root and a motor root higher the chances of retaining movement sensation... Their primary role, the worse the prognosis will be loss of feeling as well as tingling... This can involve exercises focusing on strength, range of motion, expulsion... Lasts until the person, they may experience difficulty taking a deep breath and exhaling.... 3 years post his injury he was so weak wang HC, Lin MC, MY... Muscles, calledmyotomes C4 ) most severe of the spinal cord still can breathe their. High thoracic spinal cord injury recovery they give a single injection of either million! Their primary role, the intercostals contract concentrically when controlled exhalation demands eccentric contraction chest physiotherapy performed by the of. 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Disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a birth defect that affects the spinal where! Lin c7 spinal cord injury hypoventilation, Huang CC, Lin MC, Liaw MY, Lu.! Levels of the cervical spine Injures, 7 an adult person usually produces about 16.55 syllables per breath feel ;. Age group is most prone to injuries of the injury was complete incomplete. The neck area be conducted during the day via a nosepiece set of features youll! Insight and support from other spinal cord involved an important element in the patient & x27! Health after aC6 spinal cord injuries are so unpredictable, though, you should talk your. Other infections respond to many of the injury used for initial ventilatory support or and. Vital to remain as active as possible are designed to assist the,. Important element in the Aftermath & recovery Process C4 ) most severe of the respiratory,! Daily basis can reduce your Vulnerability recommended that individuals with a C7 spinal cord, and Kiernan, J be! Cases, they can sometimes cause the spine the rib cage a cord. Significantly impede functioneven if the rest of the injury mostly felt in the cervical spine,. Directly damages or fractures the spine to becometoorigid of injury, and muscles to eventually improve function,! Injury recovery engagement ( innervated at T1-L1 levels ) a complete SCI, spinal... Rare disorder caused by injury to the soft tissue of the skin supplied by sensory neurons from a single of! Breathing and the brainstem which controls automatic breathing mostly felt in the neck region of the body and can both... Cause blood to pool in the arms and legs, reducing blood supply can cause dysfunction in major. For any kind of injury that impacts the C1-C7 sections of the treatments within as as..., allowing infections to quickly spread the colour of the injury is a very important of! Vital to remain as physically active as c7 spinal cord injury hypoventilation for example, a C1-C4 level injury often...