Frequently Asked Questions about Spinal Cord Injury

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 200,000 Americans are affected with a spinal cord injury, and there are about 11,000 new cases each year. The effects of the injury can be traumatic; therefore, it is critical to consult with a physician and spinal cord injury lawyer after a spinal cord injury in order to make important decisions about medical treatment and legal options. Here are some commonly asked questions about the injury:

What is the spinal cord?

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerve tissues that extends from the brain’s central nervous system. It is enclosed by the vertebrae, or bones of the spine, and transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body. The vertebrae are separated into seven neck (cervical) vertebrae, 12 middle back (thoracic) vertebrae, and five lower back (lumbar) vertebrae. Below the lumbar vertebrae are five fused vertebrae (the sacrum) and three small fused vertebrae that form the tailbone (coccyx).

What is a spinal cord injury?

Spinal injury occurs when a part or parts of the vertebrae become damaged or dislocated. The damage can affect the nerve track, and prevent messages from being relayed from the brain to other areas of the body. In a complete spinal cord injury, the brain is unable to relay messages down the spinal cord past the location of the injured vertebrae, resulting in paralysis below the injured area. There is no feeling, no function, and no voluntary movement. An incomplete spinal cord injury means the injured person still has some function and sensation below the injured area. They may be able to move one leg more than the other, for example.

Who is at a high risk of a spinal cord injury?

Spinal cord injuries are usually unforeseen – the result of a tragic accident or crime. However, studies show that some people are at a higher risk for spinal injuries:

• Men make up almost 80 percent of spinal cord injuries.
• Young adults and the elderly are most commonly injured.
• People involved in high-impact sports like football, rugby, wrestling, gymnastics, diving, skiing, or snowboarding have a higher risk of spinal cord injury.

What are the symptoms of a spinal cord injury?

• Extreme pain or a stinging sensation in the neck, head, or back
• Loss of sensation in hands, fingers, feet, or toes
• Loss of voluntary movement
• Loss of control over bowels or bladder
• Sexual dysfunction
• Difficulty breathing

What should I do if I suspect a spinal cord injury?

If someone has suffered a spinal cord injury:

• Do not move the affected person.
• Call for emergency medical aid.
• Try to keep the person in the same position in which they were found.
• Gently hold the person’s head and neck in place or put towels around the neck to prevent movement.
• If you must perform CPR, do not tilt the person’s head back. Carefully hold and open their mouth with your fingers.

Can I Prevent a Spinal Cord Injury?

Motor vehicle accidents cause the most spinal cord injuries to people under the age of 65. To reduce the risk of suffering a spinal injury in a car accident:

• Always wear a seatbelt.
• Be sure children are wearing their seatbelts.
• Seat children younger than 12 in the backseat to avoid air bag injuries.
• Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or getting in the car with another driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Falls cause the most spinal cord injuries in people over the age of 65. To reduce the risk of falling and sustaining a spinal injury you should:

• Install banisters or handrails around staircases.
• Put a non-slip mat on the bathtub or shower floor.
• Install a handrail in the shower or bathtub.
• Use a step stool if reaching for objects in high places.
• Wear supportive, sturdy shoes.

Although less common, sporting activities can cause spinal injuries. Some guidelines to follow while playing sports include:

• Wear protective gear.
• Avoid unnecessary head contact with equipment and other people.
• Do not dive head first into a pool without knowing its depth.
• While performing gymnastics, use a spotter for new tricks or moves.
• Do not jump from higher than 10 feet in the air; even landing on your feet could injure the spinal cord.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident caused by another person, you may want to contact a personal injury lawyer to seek legal action. Use LawyerShop’s directory to find an experienced personal injury attorney in your area.