When people in New Jersey, and elsewhere, suffer trauma to the nerves, bones, soft tissues or vessels in their spines, it may result in a spinal cord injury. A serious medical condition, this may result from incidences including slip-and-fall accidents, motor vehicle collisions, sports injuries or physical assaults. Many people who suffer this type of injury are unsure of what to expect or how it will affect their futures.
According to WebMD, spinal cord injuries may be classified as incomplete or complete. When people suffer incomplete spinal cord injuries, they may still have some function and feeling below their injuries. With complete injuries, however, people lose their ability to move and feel below their injuries.
As a result of spinal cord injuries, people may experience a range of symptoms. This includes the loss of movement or sensation. The Mayo Clinic points out that some of the most common symptoms resulting from spinal cord injuries include the following:
· Intense stinging sensation
· Pain
· Spasms
· Difficulty coughing or breathing
· Loss of bladder or bowel control
Additionally, people may experience changes in their sexual sensitivity and function, as well as their fertility as a result of spinal cord injuries.
In addition to the symptoms people may experience as a result of spinal cord injuries, they may also suffer from a range of other complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, people may have a greater risk of developing urinary tract infections, kidney infections, kidney stones or bladder stones after suffering a spinal cord injury in a slip-and-fall accident or some other incident. Further, changes in their circulation may cause them to develop blood clots or to suffer from low blood pressure.
Unfortunately, spinal cord damage cannot be reversed. Thus, spinal cord injury treatments are generally aimed at preventing further injury, managing the relating symptoms and complications, and redeveloping motor skills and learning adaptive techniques. Initially, people who suffer spinal cord injuries may be immobilized using a neck collar or carrying board. In some cases, they may require surgery to help stabilize the spine. People may also be prescribed medications or require rehabilitative care.
