A spinal cord injury is very serious and often results in permanent damage and changes in your body around the injury. A spinal cord injury involves damage to the spinal cord itself or the nerves in the spinal canal and often occurs after a sudden blow to your spine that crushes one or more of your vertebrae.
Causes of spinal cord injuries
You may sustain a spinal cord injury from a motor vehicle accident, a sporting injury, a birth injury or even an infection. There is no “cure” for a spinal cord injury, and any resulting damage to the spinal cord is often permanent.
Therefore, the main ways to treat a spinal cord injury are:
- Immobilization
- Medication
- Surgery
After a doctor determines you have a spinal cord injury, you may be required to wear a neck collar or a brace to keep your body mobilized and heal. Medication may be prescribed to help with bladder, bowel and muscle control and to ease pain.
For severe spinal cord injuries, surgery may be necessary to remove any items compressing your spine and help with stabilization. No matter what your initial treatment, you are likely to need long-term rehabilitation. New technology is resulting in many new devices that can help with the tasks of daily living and help spinal cord injury victims regain their independence.
The major impact of a spinal cord injury
The effects of a spinal cord injury last a lifetime. The cost of treatment and rehabilitation are usually astronomical, and you may lose your job or career if you can no longer perform your required duties. Many Louisiana spinal cord injury victims also experience pain, suffering and sexual dysfunction, which damages their personal relationships.
These consequences are especially difficult to deal with when your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a car or truck driver. You may receive compensation for your damages. A personal injury attorney can be a great resource and provide advice on your specific situation.