[J H]

I have a C-5 spinal cord injury, it has been almost 11 months since it happened and over that period of time. I have gained some muscles back that are below my level of injury, such as some abdominal strength, and some muscles in the middle of my back. My fingers have not begun to work just yet. And I still do not have any triceps, but my abdominal muscles have increased quite a bit. Could this be a sign that my spinal cord is starting to heal? I was in a car wreck in November of 2006 and my spinal cord is bruised.

[Lisa P]

It could be. I would talk to the neurosurgeon and physistrist if you have one and get re-evaluated. Possible another MRI scan and emg if they did one. Make an appt.Good Luck

[coco_loco]

Increased strength on your abdominals and back muscles is an improvement.If you can independently turn yourself in bed or independently do transfers from bed to say the chair, then you've moved a spinal level down, and that's good news.Do continue with your therapy and good luck.God bless.

[ball]

Having had a break at C7 myself several yrs ago. From what i remeber the doctors saying when i had slit problems with moving.Its sorta like a brain injury. Concusion, only in this case be the spinal cord swelling. So depending on the injury to the amount of swelling. Though i had a break it was a vey minor injury to my spinal cord. Lucky for me.They explained all about spinal injuries, a really bad bruise can be worse than a breaK sometimes causing all the same symtomps of a break. and also become a permanate injury.From all what i can remember and what you have said. i'd think the swelling is going down and you are slowly getting back your control of affected muscles. Though how much and what is probably yet to be found out. Also to what percentage you gain back is unknown.So i wouldn't get my hopes to high, what you have gained back very well my be all you do. then on the other hand maybe you'll gain more.So Best Wish's