Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

At which spinal cord injury level can individuals be independent in self-care with some adaptations?

1. C6

2. C7

3. C8

4. T1

The correct answer is: C7

Individuals with a spinal cord injury at the C7 level typically experience more arm and hand function compared to those with higher-level injuries, allowing for greater independence in self-care activities. At this level, they usually have the ability to perform tasks such as dressing, grooming, and feeding themselves with some adaptations or assistive devices. C7 injuries generally allow for the use of the triceps muscle, which contributes to elbow extension, facilitating more effective use of the hands for a variety of self-care tasks. The capacity to grasp and manipulate objects is also significantly enhanced compared to injuries at the C6 level, where individuals might still struggle with tasks that require fine motor skills due to limited wrist and hand function. While individuals at the C6 level can accomplish some self-care tasks, they typically still need assistance for more complex activities. Those at C8 and T1 levels have even more functional abilities, but the question specifically inquires about independence, which aligns most closely with the capabilities afforded at the C7 level.