Have you suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident caused by another party’s carelessness or negligence? If so, you deserve financial recovery and justice for what they’ve cost you. David Blackwell, a Lancaster spinal cord injury lawyer, will stand by your side during the claims process and throughout your physical and emotional recovery from your life-altering injuries. We’re committed to representing victims of catastrophic injuries and making our community safer, which is why we will pursue the best possible outcome in your case in a timely manner.
Don’t wait another moment to claim justice and compensation. Turn to a back injury lawyer who will provide you with the compassionate support and effective legal advocacy you need during this difficult time. Contact David Blackwell Law for a free spine injury claim review. We’ll discuss your legal options for financial recovery.
What Are the Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Doctors classify spinal cord injuries by their location on the spinal column. The location of a spinal cord injury will determine what parts of the body the injury may affect. The spinal cord has three major regions:
A spinal cord injury in the lumbar region (the lowest region of the spinal column) affects the legs and pelvis, although injury victims may retain some mobility (with assistance) depending on the location and severity of the injury.
A spinal cord injury in the thoracic spinal column (the middle region) affects the lower torso, trunk, and chest.
A neck injury in the cervical spinal cord (the top region) can cause total body paralysis and has the highest risk of becoming fatal.
Doctors also classify spinal cord injuries according to their severity. In an incomplete spinal cord injury, the spinal cord has only partially severed, and the injured person may retain some feeling and function below the level of the injury. In a complete spinal cord injury, the spinal cord has completely severed, cutting off all signals between the brain and the body below the level of the injury.
Spinal cord injuries typically cause some degree of paralysis below the level of the injury. Paralysis may come in the form of paraplegia (paralysis affecting the legs, pelvis, and trunk) or tetraplegia/quadriplegia (paralysis affecting the arms, chest, trunk, pelvis, and legs).
What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?
The immediate symptoms of a spinal cord injury may include:
- Severe pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of feelings in toes, feet, fingers, or hands
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Muscle weakness
- Incoordination or loss of control
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Difficulty breathing
- Odd twisting or positioning of the neck or back
Spinal cord injuries may have a more gradual onset of symptoms, including:
- Loss of motor function or fine motor control
- Altered or lost ability to feel touch, heat, or cold
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Muscle spasms
- Intense pain or stinging sensation in the back
- Trouble breathing or clearing the lungs
- Changes to sexual function or sensitivity
What Are Treatment Options for a Spinal Cord Injury?
Although healthcare providers cannot reverse the damage caused by a spinal cord injury, they can provide treatment that helps prevent further injury and enables injury victims to resume an active and productive life.
Initial treatment for spinal cord injuries focuses on stabilizing the spinal column to avoid further damage to the spinal cord. Treatment also involves maintaining a person’s ability to breathe, preventing shock, and avoiding complications like cardiovascular issues or blood clots. A spinal cord injury victim may require surgery to remove fragments or debris, repair vertebrae and spinal discs, or install rods and screws to stabilize the spine to prevent future pain or deformity.
Once a spinal cord injury stabilizes, treatment shifts to preventing or mitigating long-term complications of the injury. A spinal cord injury victim may receive medications to treat losses of muscle tone or bone density, manage blood pressure, prevent bladder/bowel issues, or restore sexual function.
Long-term treatment will also involve rehabilitation to maintain or strengthen muscle function, redevelop fine motor control, and learn adaptations to perform daily tasks with disabilities. Rehabilitation can include physical/occupational therapy, recreational therapy, vocational counsel, dietary counsel, and mental health care.
