Spinal Damage: Injuries and Treatment in San Diego, CA
Traumatic accidents can result in injuries that range from moderate to life-altering. Spinal damage often occurs in accidents that involve a fall, a collision, or another unexpected force. The spine holds us upright, but it’s one of the most fragile and complex parts of the body. When damaged, the spinal cord can spark a variety of undesirable symptoms that make life harder.
The Kindley Firm, APC understands how devastating spinal damage can be. They strive to help injured victims recover the compensation they deserve after an accident. If you’ve suffered from a spinal injury, you’ll need excellent treatment to recover quickly. A personal injury lawyer in San Diego will work hard to increase your settlement by holding all liable parties accountable for your accident.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Doctors diagnose spinal cord injuries based on which part of the spine is damaged. The spine may be partially damaged or fully severed during an accident.
Cervical spinal cord injuries take place at the top of the spine between the C1 and C7 vertebrae. These spinal cord injuries are closest to the brain and can have a significant effect on a victim’s bodily functions. Cervical spinal cord injuries may result in loss of sensory function, paraplegia, or quadriplegia.
Thoracic spinal cord injuries take place in the upper to middle part of the spine. These injuries comprise twelve vertebrae from T1 to T12. These numbers correspond to nerves in the spinal cord that affect different parts of the body. T1 through T5 affect a victim’s muscles, mid-back, upper chest, and abdominal muscles. T6 through T12 affect a victim’s abdominal and back muscles.
Lumbar spinal cord injuries take place in the lowest part of the spine between the L1 and L5 vertebrae. Although there’s a sacral portion of the spine below the lumbar portion, the lumbar portion is the lowest part of the major spinal cord. Lumbar spinal cord injuries can affect the function of the hips and legs but rarely affect the upper body.
Sacral spinal cord injuries take place below the lumbar portion of the spinal cord, just above the tailbone. The sacrum comprises five bones that make a triangle shape. The nerves in these bones are labeled S1 through S5 and affect pelvic organs, such as the bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
Accidents That Often Result in Spinal Cord Injuries
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that 38 percent of spinal cord injuries occur because of auto accidents. These numbers likely include accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles on the road. When an auto collision occurs, the body experiences a significant amount of force and may get thrown, smashed, or jolted. The spine receives pressure that it sometimes can’t bear.
More than 30 percent of spinal cord injuries occur from accidents involving falls. When a victim falls unexpectedly, they can’t catch themselves or land at a safe angle. If the fall is too high, the angle in which the victim falls may not matter because the force is too strong. Falls can damage the spine in various locations and cause lasting symptoms.
Other accidents that result in spinal cord injuries are less common but still worth noting. More than 13 percent of spinal cord injuries occur because of violence or gunshot wounds; 9 percent of spinal cord injuries occur because of sports; 5 percent of spinal cord injuries occur because of surgical or medical complications; and, 4 percent of spinal cord injuries occur from other causes such as a disease.
Symptoms That Can Occur After a Spinal Cord Injury
Damage to the spinal cord can affect sensory and motor function as well as a victim’s reflexes. Doctors can predict most symptoms based on where the spinal damage occurred, but this isn’t always the case. The healing process of a spinal injury varies from person to person. Symptoms can vary, as well.
Common symptoms of spinal cord injuries include loss of movement, loss of sensation, loss of bowel or bladder control, amplified reflexes or spasms, changes in sexual function, infertility, nerve pain, and difficulty breathing or coughing. If you aren’t aware that you have a spinal cord injury and you notice significant pain or pressure, you should seek medical treatment immediately.
Treating a Spinal Cord Injury
Initial treatment to diagnosis a spinal cord injury may include x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to get detailed images of what’s going on inside your body. X-rays can show issues with the vertebrae as well as tumors and fractures. MRIs can show herniated discs, blood clots, inflammation, and any masses in the spine. CT scans can give a more detailed look at anything abnormal seen in an x-ray.
Although spinal cord injuries can’t be reversed, there are many surgeries and treatment options available to improve a victim’s condition and heal any injuries around the spine, stabilize the spine, and prevent further injury from occurring. You may need medications to prevent pain or some form of immobilization to promote alignment of the spine.
Doctors are performing many experimental treatments on spinal cord injury victims so they can promote healing of injuries in the future. Some experimental treatments work to stop cell death, regenerate nerves, and decrease inflammation in the spine.
Reach Out to a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney
Spinal cord injuries require patience both physically and emotionally. Your road to recovery will likely be long and may involve physical therapy and counseling. If you hope to receive the best treatment possible, you’ll need adequate finances. Holding the liable party accountable for your wreck can relieve you of financial stress and help you heal more quickly.
A lawyer’s goal is to maximize your settlement so you can have access to the most knowledgeable doctors, the newest technology, easily manageable equipment, and any other amenities you may need to heal. If you’re ready to begin the fight for a settlement and make your road to recovery a little easier, discuss your case with an experienced attorney in the San Diego area.
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