Spinal injury may not mean a spinal cord injury; the term can be used for any injury to the spine. Whiplash, for example, can result in a spinal injury that is temporary. When the injuries sustained do affect the spinal cord, however, they are very serious and may be unable to be repaired.
Injuries to the spine can happen in a variety of ways. Some are from disease or a tumor, others are developmental. Oftentimes, the injury is traumatic in origin, from an automobile or work-related accident. There can be trauma to the vertebrae without causing injury to the spinal cord. However, care must always be taken not to move anyone with an injury to their back or neck. If moved incorrectly, spinal cord injury can occur.
Signals are sent to and from the brain through the spinal cord. Because of this, the symptoms of spinal cord injury are dependent on where it occurs. Injuries to the spine can be classified as either being complete or incomplete.
Those injuries which are complete sustain loss of motor and sensory functions below the level of injury. Victims of this type of injury rarely recover ability to move themselves.
Those which are incomplete retain some sensory and/or motor function below the level of injury. Victims of this type of injury usually recover some ability for movement, however, this may not include being able to walk without aid.
Other bodily functions are affected by spinal cord injury besides mobility. The nerves coming off the spinal column travel to the different organs in the body. Injury to the spinal cord can affect organ function below the injury level.
Spinal injury at the cervical level may affect breathing, for example, sometimes to the extent of respiratory aid being necessary. Other level injuries may affect function of the any of the other organs such as the urinary bladder, bowels, gall bladder and kidneys. Erectile dysfunction is a common result, as are incontinence and infections.
Spinal injuries can also result in reflex spasticity, muscle atrophy and pain. As mentioned previously, they also effect motor functions such as mobility, even to the point of quadriplegia or paraplegia.
When trauma first occurs, there is inflammation at the injury site. It is when this inflammation is reduced that there is a better idea of how extensive and permanent the damage is to the cord. Although victims with incomplete spinal injury may regain partial locomotion, it is rare for complete function to be regained.
It is critical to be thoroughly examined by a doctor after being in an automobile or other type of accident to be sure that there are not more serious injuries than realized. For example, any injury to the bones of the spine can result in spinal injury of the cord if left untreated.
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in accident claims. If you would like further information about spinal injury or are searching for a reputable spinal injury law firm please visit http://personalinjury.ffw.com
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