What is it Like to Live with a Spinal Cord Injury?

Each year, approximately 17,700 individuals suffer a spinal cord injury, whether it is a result of a car crash or a slip and fall accident. It is estimated that there are roughly 284,000 people living in the U.S. with a spinal cord injury today, according to the United Spinal Association which means there are many people suffering from the various symptoms these types of injuries generally carry with them.  The most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

 

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls
• Acts of violence
• Recreational sporting activities

 

Now, if you recently suffered an injury to your spinal cord after engaging in a car crash in Los Angeles, CA and are wondering how your life is going to be affected by it, below we offer some helpful information that will address this. It is important to understand, however, that there are different types of spinal cord injuries all ranging in severity which means all of the information we are providing may not apply to you.

 

How will my spinal cord injury affect my physical abilities?

 

1. Depending on how serious the injury is, you may find that you will or already have experienced different levels of pain. The United Spinal Association says that it isn’t unusual to feel pain and the two common types include neuropathic and musculoskeletal.

 

• Neuropathic pain can be described as “burning, pins and needles, electric or cold sensation, and it is felt at or below the level of your injury.”

 

• Musculoskeletal pain “is often in the back, shoulders or wrists, and is usually the result of physical stress and exertion from lifting, moving, and exercising.”

 

Depending on how intense the pain is can affect how much you are able to do in a day.

 

2. You may also find that your bowels function differently after sustaining the spinal cord injury. If you are going through rehabilitation, you will probably “learn a bowel program which will [discuss things like] proper diet, exercise, medication, and regularly scheduled bowel care.” Once you learn the program, it is important you follow the instructions you are given to ensure you don’t encounter any difficulties and are able to maintain your health.

 

3. You may have to plan a little more if you want to travel. Just because you might be confined to a wheelchair or you are limited in how much you can move, it doesn’t mean you aren’t able to travel any longer. When planning for your trip, you will simply need to consider the accommodations you will require so that you aren’t faced with any “physical barriers” when attempting to get to your destination or when you arrive there.

 

4. You may still be able to drive, although you may need to purchase or lease a vehicle that has been modified for your condition so that you are able to easily get on and off and can drive it safely.

 

How will my spinal cord injury affect me emotionally?

 

The United Spinal Association says that “it is normal to experience a variety of emotions following [a] spinal cord injury.” You will have to adapt to how your body has changed along with the limitations you are now forced to live with. While some “experience a period of mourning similar to the death of a loved one,” others might “treat the recovery period as a temporary inconvenience.” Therefore, “the way you respond to your injury will be highly variable and your emotional adjustment may take a number of months.”

 

Want to hear what it’s like for others to have to live with a spinal cord injury?

 

You can visit FacingDisability.com where there are a number of testimonials from people of all ages who are currently suffering from the conditions a spinal cord injury brings with it. Of course, everyone’s experience is going to be different, but it is always helpful to hear what challenges others like you are faced with and how they overcome them.

Aside from familiarizing yourself with how your spinal cord injury will impact your life, you should also take the time to speak with a Los Angeles, CA car accident lawyer who can review with you what your legal rights are. If the car crash you were involved in was caused by a negligent driver, you may be able to recover compensation that will help you afford the medical treatments and therapies your injury now requires you to receive.

To speak with an auto accident attorney in the Los Angeles area who can help you better understand what forms of legal action you can take to recover the compensation you are due, contact The Ledger Law Firm today. The attorneys at this firm will not only help you understand your rights, but will be there to guide you through the necessary steps that must be taken in order to receive the money that can help you during this stressful and strenuous time.