Signs That May Indicate a Spinal Injury
Spinal injuries can occur for several reasons. They are common in vehicle crashes, falls from horses, falls from height and swimming pool accidents. Whatever the cause, they can change your life forever.
If you suspect you may have a spinal injury after an accident, make sure no one moves you. Usually, it is better to wait for qualified help. Proper lifting procedures and equipment keep the spine aligned, to reduce the risk of causing permanent damage.
Even if you feel fine after an accident, you need to be aware that it can take time to notice you have damaged your spine. If you get up and start to walk about, you could aggravate the injury and end up paralyzed for life.
Think of your spinal cord as an electrical cable carrying messages between your brain and your body. Like any electrical cable, it does not take much to damage it and prevent the connections being made.
These are some signs that you may have injured your spine:
- Problems breathing
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Intense pain in the head, neck or back
- Sudden incontinence
- Loss of feeling in your arms or legs
Ring for urgent medical help if you experience any of these symptoms. Do not be tempted to drive to the hospital as you could easily aggravate the damage. When you are in a medically stable condition, seek a personal injury attorney’s help to learn about claiming compensation. If you are diagnosed with a spinal injury, you are likely to incur considerable medical expenses. It may affect your ability to work and carry out your daily life without help.