{"id":2658,"date":"2026-10-07T02:24:32","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T02:24:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/correllfirm.com\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer\/can-c5-and-c6-cause-paralysis\/"},"modified":"2026-10-22T18:28:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T18:28:37","slug":"can-c5-and-c6-cause-paralysis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/correllfirm.com\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer\/can-c5-and-c6-cause-paralysis\/","title":{"rendered":"C5-C6 Quadriplegic Injury: Can It Cause Paralysis?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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C5 and C6 Spinal Cord Injuries: Can They Cause Paralysis?<\/h1>\n

Yes, C5 and C6 spinal cord injuries<\/a> can cause paralysis. The extent depends on whether the injury is complete or incomplete. A complete injury at this level typically results in quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). An incomplete injury may cause partial weakness or loss of function in the arms, hands, and legs. Not every C5 or C6 injury results in total paralysis\u2014some people retain significant arm and hand function.<\/p>\n

Where Are C5 and C6 in the Spine?<\/h2>\n

C5 and C6 are cervical vertebrae in the middle-to-lower neck. The cervical spine contains seven vertebrae (C1 through C7). C5 and C6 sit roughly in the middle of this region. The spinal cord runs through the center of these bones, carrying signals between your brain and the rest of your body. When the spinal cord is damaged at the C5 or C6 level, those signals are disrupted, affecting the arms, hands, shoulders, and potentially the legs and trunk.<\/p>\n

Cervical spinal nerves at C5 and C6 control signals to the shoulders, arms, and hands. The higher the injury in the cervical spine, the more of the body is typically affected. A C5 injury is higher than a C6 injury, so C5 injuries often result in greater loss of function.<\/p>\n

What Are the Symptoms of C5 and C6 Nerve Damage?<\/h2>\n

Symptoms of a C5 or C6 spinal cord injury appear suddenly or develop over hours after the injury. Common signs include:<\/p>\n