Spinal cord injuries are frequently experienced in a car crash. The risk of trauma to your spinal cord is greatest if you hit your head or neck in the accident. It is a good idea to stabilize the neck and spinal cord if there is a chance that you suffered a spinal cord injury.
Taking special precautions after a car crash can help to reduce the risk of a worsening spinal cord injury.
Take precautions
Not all spinal cord injuries are noticeable right away. Even if the injury isn’t evident at the scene of the accident, there is a chance that the injury could become worse if it is left unchecked and without taking special precautions.
One way that you can help to protect your spinal cord after an injury is to not move from where you are at the time of the crash, as long as it is safe to remain there. Using a backboard or a neck brace can also help to prevent further injury.
Signs that you need immediate medical attention
There are some signs that you need medical attention right away. This include: impaired breathing, difficulty with walking or balancing, not being able to control your bowels or bladder, having extreme pain in your neck or back, and numbness or tingling in your digits or limbs.
Other signs of spinal cord injuries might also manifest after the accident. You might notice that you have loss of sensation, such as inability to feel cold or heat. You might also have spasms that you can’t control.
Life after the spinal cord injury
Life after a spinal cord injury might be very different from the life you knew before the tragedy. This is especially true if the injury is serious. You might end up being paralyzed. Depending on the level of the injury, you might suffer paralysis in all four limbs, but if the injury is below the shoulders, you might only be paralyzed in your lower limbs.
You might suffer from fecal or urinary incontinence, sexual difficulties, trouble breathing and loss of enjoyment of life.
You will likely have to endure medical treatments and therapies, which can be difficult and time-consuming. You might not be able to continuing working, which can harm your finances.
Victims of spinal cord injuries can learn to accept the “new normal” and lead productive, fulfilling lives. It is imperative to kickstart this process by seeking compensation if you were the victim in the car crash that changed the course of your life so suddenly.