Falls, motorcycle accidents, inflammation, other diseases, acts of violence, or recreational activities could cause spinal injuries, regardless if you are on personal outings or taking up professional tasks. The damage affects your brain’s ability to communicate with other areas of the body, including those parts responsible for movement. This could lead to severe complications, so you should take the steps mentioned below to ensure you receive proper care and compensation and increase your odds of full recovery.
Get Medical Attention Quickly
Getting immediate assistance is necessary, even if you or your loved one feel minimal pain. A physician can lower the odds of secondary problems that arise at a later date. This includes pressure ulcers, bladder problems, muscular contractions, blood clots, respiratory issues, and more. Call 911 so paramedics can move your loved one. Emergency medical technicians are appropriately trained to lift and care for you or a loved one until reaching the hospital and into the care of qualified nurses, physicians, and surgeons.
Limit Upper-Body Motion
While waiting for medical assistance, placing heavy towels or sheets tightly rolled up on each side of the neck would be an excellent idea to hold up your loved one’s head in place. This will prevent movement in the upper body, primarily the neck and head. Staying still is vital because the motion could lead to more complications in the spine, such as permanent paralysis. If your loved one is in immediate danger, you will need to ask someone to help you move her with minimal or no motion regarding the head and neck.
Speak with an Attorney
You might be entitled to legal compensation if you suffered from a spinal injury due to an accident, such as a motorcycle or vehicle incident, or while working on the job. Therefore, it is best to speak with a personal injury lawyer to learn more about your rights. The attorney will work on your behalf to help you receive adequate healthcare, wage loss compensation, and more. Remember that spinal cord accidents could lead to long-term or permanent injuries that affect your ability to work and require constant healthcare, which is why your personal injury lawyer will work hard to ensure your claim is handled accordingly.
Develop a Good Care Plan
To regain some of the functions lost due to the spinal injury, you must develop a good care plan that includes rehabilitation. Most of the activities you take on while recovering will require you to use a wheelchair; however, this depends on the type of accidents that occur. The injury type will also determine what rehabilitation steps you take. Your physicians and therapists will help you develop a good care plan that improves the brain and bodily functions affected by the injury. In addition to physical rehabilitation techniques, you may need assistance with mental and emotional support.
These are tips to use when you or a loved one has suffered from a spinal injury. It is best to remain calm to reduce the risk of more severe complications.
This article is from Brooke Chaplan, a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
