Spinal Cord Injuries Can Affect Every Aspect of Your Life!
Back and spinal cord injuries are nothing to mess around with. According to the Mayo Clinic, any injury to your spinal cord stands a good chance of causing permanent loss in strength, feeling and functionality below the injured area. In fact, it’s not unusual for back injuries to affect just about every aspect of your life.
Why The Spine is so Vulnerable
Your spine is a long chain of bones – containing muscles, ligaments and discs – that stretches from the base of your brain to your waist. It is divided into four (4) regions that are responsible for controlling different parts of your body. They are:
- Cervical (neck)
- Thoracic (chest)
- Lumbar (lower back)
- Sacral (pelvic)
Types of Spinal Injuries
The terms “complete” and “partial” are important ones to remember when talking about spinal injuries. A complete injury indicates no function below the point the spine was injured. This includes no sensation or ability to move below that point. Also, both sides of the body are usually affected in complete back or spinal injuries. In partial injuries, one side or certain limbs may be affected more so than the other. Other symptoms that can be affected by back and spinal injuries include an inability to properly control high blood pressure, chronic pain and respiratory problems.
Common Causes of Back and Spinal Injuries
In most cases, spinal cord or back injuries are the result of a sudden blow to your back that may compress one or more of your back vertebrae. The most common examples are auto accidents, slips and falls, and sports injuries.
The Cost of Ignoring Injury Symptoms
In many cases, little discomfort or pain is immediately felt by sudden-impact injuries to the spinal cord. Unfortunately this can result in the individual postponing any medical attention until more serious symptoms arise. Waiting too late can result in massively invasive procedures like open back surgery.
Why You Need to See a Lawyer ASAP
Deciding to see a personal injury attorney can be the smartest decision you make – even if you don’t think your injuries are that serious. These professionals are highly skilled in such cases, and can objectively review all of the facts of your incident before putting you on a plan for medical attention and legal action for compensation for lost wages, high medical bills or other financial issues associated with your situation. Back and spinal cord injuries can be life-changing events. Contact the offices of the Oswalt Law Group for a free consultation so that you do not spend another day worrying about how you’re going to make ends meet.