T4 Spinal Cord Injury

Medically reviewed by Courtney Maher, OTR/L — written by Flint Rehab. Life after a T4 spinal cord injury will require some lifestyle adjustments. Lioresal. To help you understand what to expect following a T4 spinal cord injury, this article will go over what muscles are affected and recovery outlook.

Whether the cause is traumatic or nontraumatic, spinal cord damage affects the nerve fibers passing through the injured area. This can impair part of or all the muscles and nerves below the injury site. An injury to the chest or lower back can affect the trunk, legs, bowel, bladder and sexual function.

T4 Spinal Cord Injury - A spinal cord injury can lead to a decline in physical functioning, known as deconditioning. Or it can lead to stiff muscles due to lack of use, known as muscle contractures. People with a spinal cord injury also may experience pressure ulcers, bowel and bladder issues, respiratory infections, and blood clots.