Suffering an injury is a traumatic experience, but suffering from a spinal cord injury can have life-changing ramifications. In fact, over 11,000 spinal injuries are reported in the United States every year. Furthermore, young men are far more likely to suffer a spinal cord injury than any other segment of the population. So, if you suffer a spinal cord injury, do you know what to do? Here’s what you need to know about spinal cord injuries.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Traumatic Spinal Injuries

The major causes of spinal cord injuries can be broken down into traumatic or non-traumatic injuries. Traumatic injuries are generally the result of a violent act or fall. These include:

• Automotive accidents
• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Diving into shallow water
• Violent crimes

Non-Traumatic Spinal Injuries

Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries, unlike traumatic injuries, are generally caused by health factors, often degenerative in nature. Therefore, these can include:

• Cancer
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Inflammation

Effects of These Injuries

The effects of a spinal cord injury depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the injury, as well as its location. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, spinal cord injuries usually fall into two categories based upon the “completeness” of the injury. These are “complete” and “incomplete.” On one hand, complete refers to the loss of all sensations and movement below the spinal cord injury. On the other hand, incomplete refers to the loss of some – but not all – motor and sensory control below the spinal cord injury.

Some of the tell-tale signs of a spinal cord injury include, but are not limited to:

• Loss of movement
• Or altered sensation
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
• Changes in sexual function, sensitivity, and fertility
• Pain caused by damage to the nerve fibers in your spinal cord
• Difficulty breathing, coughing or clearing your lungs

Additionally, there are several signs to look out for which should be considered a medical emergency. If the following symptoms are present, call 911 immediately and do not move the individual:

• Extreme back pain or pressure in the neck, head or back
• Weakness, lack of coordination or paralysis in any part of the body
• Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet or toes
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Difficulty balancing and walking
• Impaired breathing after injury
• An oddly positioned or twisted neck or back

What to Do After Such Injury

If you suffer a spinal cord injury, the first thing you need to do is get medical attention immediately. Once you have had your spine stabilized and are out of danger, you need to contact an experienced attorney right away. Therefore, a knowledgeable attorney, such as the experts at Rossetti & DeVoto, PC will be able to help you claim compensation for damages because of:

• Medical bills and associated costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Damages due to a wrongful death charge

If you suffered a spinal injury in New Jersey – including complete paralysis, incomplete paralysis or motor dysfunction – and need help, contact Rossetti & Devoto today at (856) 354-0900 for a free, no-obligation consultation.