The spinal cord is one of the most vital organs in your body. It is also one of the most fragile. Unlike other body parts, it is highly susceptible to injuries and cannot restore itself to normal conditions after it has been injured. An estimated 12,000 people in the United States alone report spinal cord injuries every year.
A severe spinal cord injury could leave you completely paralyzed from the neck down. Fortunately, you can prevent these injuries from worsening. Contact a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers if you have suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident as a result of another party’s negligence.
Treatment Options for Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord damage is irreversible. Most treatment options are geared toward managing the symptoms. Their purpose is to help restore function to the affected muscles and stimulate your nervous system. With the right treatment, you could even regain some sensation.
Some treatment options available to spinal cord injury patients include:
Medical Treatment
After sustaining a spinal cord injury, it is crucial that you seek medical treatment immediately. Treatment often begins on-site to prevent further damage to unaffected but vulnerable body parts. The EMTs will immobilize your spine using a neck brace and transport board as soon as possible.
Your physician may place you in a specialized bed at the hospital until your spine has been stabilized. They may then recommend surgery.
Surgery is an ideal treatment option for patients who:
- Need to have fragments of foreign objects, herniated disc, or bone removed from their body
- Require spinal stabilization to prevent future discomfort or deformity
After spinal stabilization, your physician may address potential complications. This might determine the length of hospitalization and further remedies.
Rehabilitation and Aftercare
Just as important as knowing how to treat spinal cord injuries, is learning how to rehabilitate patients as they recover. Rehabilitation activities, at first, are often geared towards objectives such as:
- Retaining fine motor abilities
- Strengthening muscle function
- Improving coordination
- Learning new motions
- Achieving new techniques for performing daily tasks such as eating or dressing
It is also essential to provide the patient with information to prevent further complications and lead a productive life.
Technology
Sometimes, technology can be used to make life easier for a patient. A physician, for instance, may recommend a modern, light wheelchair to increase ease of moving. You could also acquire computer adaptations such as voice-recognition software or keyguards to help you automate tasks.
Home Remedies
Turmeric and cayenne pepper have been proven to be effective in treating spine injury. The latter has high amounts of Capsaicin, a compound that improves blood flow and stimulates circulation. This can help speed up your recovery time.
Turmeric, on the other hand, contains Curcumin. This is a compound shown to prevent severe nerve damage and reduce swelling. Taking turmeric can ultimately help a patient preserve mobility.
Contact a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney
When a spinal cord injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be liable for compensation. The financial settlement you get could help settle any medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. It could also cover rehabilitation and long-life care in the event of paralysis.
To get started on your personal injury case, contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to speak to an expert Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney.