What Can I Expect After a Spinal Cord Injury?

The answer to this question depends on many factors, including the injury’s severity, location, and the care that is received in the aftermath. In many cases, the victim can make a substantial recovery. Of course, any type of spinal care is expensive. That’s why it’s essential to talk to a New York personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Prompt action can help you to receive the compensation you deserve.

Why spinal cord injuries are so devastating

Running across the length of your spine are millions of nerve and muscle fibers bundled together into a complex network. This system enables your brain to control your body. If you’ve ever dropped a call or lost an online connection, you already know how frustrating a breakdown in communication can be. The same is true of your body. When spinal nerve damage occurs, the results can include numbness, tingling, or even paralysis.

But your spinal cord does more than transmit signals. It also supports your body, much like a foundation that supports a building. Damage to any of its 33 vertebrae can cause stiffness, pain, or loss of mobility.

Treating spinal cord injuries costs the American economy almost $10 billion a year. Providing care to a single patient can cost as much as $750,000 annually, sometimes more. These statistics do not include the toll in individual pain, suffering, and loss of productivity.

What to expect after your spinal cord accident

Because of the tremendous risks associated with a spinal injury, the first thing you should do is to seek immediate medical help. Tell your healthcare provider about the circumstances surrounding your accident and describe any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Your doctor might recommend several treatment approaches, depending on the nature of your injuries. Some of the most common forms of therapy for spinal trauma include:

Rest: This may be all the treatment you need for a relatively minor injury. Many spinal patients find that relaxing in a recliner is more comfortable and provides quicker recovery than lying down in bed. Your doctor may also recommend the temporary use of an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease discomfort.
Physical therapy: This treatment approach typically includes supervised bending, stretching, and physical conditioning activities. Your therapist may also recommend changes to your posture or gait to maintain the benefits of treatment.
Chiropractic care: More than 35 million Americans see a chiropractor each year. In many cases, chiropractic treatment can help spinal accident victims to regain lost mobility and minimize the discomfort associated with their injuries.
Surgery: Sometimes, the severity of a spinal injury makes an operation or series of operations, necessary. In most cases, your doctor will only recommend a surgical procedure after trying less invasive approaches first.
Mobility aids: These may be used on either a temporary or long-term basis, depending upon your injury profile. Examples include canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Deep muscle massage: Potential benefits of this form of therapy include lower levels of pain, greater freedom of movement, improved circulation, better sleep, and reduced stress.
Prescription medications: Including painkillers such as opioids. In general, physicians are reluctant to prescribe them due to their high potential for addiction and abuse. However, these medications can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life when used under strict medical supervision.

The one thing that all of these therapeutic approaches have in common is that they cost money. Unfortunately, most spinal accident victims are in no position to pay substantial out-of-pocket bills, even when their future may depend on receiving the treatment they need.

Contact us for a free consultation

This is where a Douglas & London personal injury lawyer comes into the picture. Our skilled attorneys have recovered more than $18 billion for their clients over the years. They can help you, as well. Statutes of limitation mean that the time to seek help is right now. Get in touch with us today to schedule your no-cost consultation.

A member of the Douglas & London staff is available 24/7, either online or by calling our convenient office number. When life knocks you down, we can help you to get back up.