What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is damage to any part of the spinal cord — including nerves and the end of the spinal canal. Damage to the spinal cord can cause permanent loss or reduction in strength, sensation, or other body functions below the spinal cord damage site.
Spinal cord injuries are severe, and the recovery process can be slow. In the most severe cases, the chances of recovery are slim to none. However, some treatment options and rehabilitation methods can help someone improve their spinal cord injury. Here’s what you need to know.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Happen
According to the latest data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (since 2015), the following are the leading causes of spinal cord injuries:
- Motor vehicle accidents account for 39.3% of all spinal cord injuries.
- Falls account for 31.8% of all spinal cord injuries.
- Acts of violence account for 13.5% of all spinal cord injuries.
- Sports and recreation accidents account for 8% of all spinal cord injuries
- Medical/surgical errors account for 4.3% of all spinal cord injuries
- “Other” causes account for 3.1% of all spinal cord injuries.
Treatment and Recovery Options for Spinal Cord Injuries
Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries are not reversible; however, some treatments can improve damages in mild cases. The more severe the spinal cord injury, the more intense the therapies and treatments will be. Here are some common ways spinal cord injuries may be treated:
- Neck immobilization – This is to prevent further spinal cord damage (early-stage treatment, typically in the emergency room)
- General immobilization – Traction may be necessary to stabilize the spine and align it.
- Surgery – Surgery may be required after an accident to remove fragments of bones, foreign objects, or anything else that may be compressing the spine. Surgery may also be needed to keep the spine aligned to avoid deformity and pain.
- Rehabilitation – During the treatment and recovery process, you may have a rehabilitation team consisting of physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, dieticians, and other spinal cord injury rehabilitation specialists.
Sustained a Spinal Cord Injury in an Accident? We Can Help.
After an accident, sustaining a spinal cord injury is not only a scary experience, but the outcome can lead to long-term medical problems and financial burdens. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice when the negligence of another caused you or your loved one harm. Our legal team has your best interest in mind and will work hard to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A. today at +1 (954) 963-0444 to schedule your free consultation.
