According to Mediclinic Southern Africa, this life-altering damage can happen directly to the cord or to the 24 ring-shaped bones (vertebrae) that house and protect it. The extent of paralysis and sensory loss depends entirely on where the trauma falls along the spinal column. Upper injuries affecting the seven cervical (neck) vertebrae (C1–C7) impact all four limbs and breathing, while lower injuries in the 12 thoracic (chest) vertebrae (T1–T12) or five lumbar (lower back) vertebrae (L1–L5) normally leave arm movement intact but impair the legs, bowel, and bladder. Fast medical intervention and specialized therapy are important for managing these symptoms, preventing secondary complications, and helping patients regain independence.Â