Work accidents can cause serious injuries, including spinal cord trauma. Not all serious injuries are obvious right away, however.
There are a few key signs of spinal cord trauma that any attentive worker should watch for.
Sudden and severe pain
A sudden and severe pain in the neck, back or head often indicates spinal cord trauma. This pain usually occurs at the injury site and can radiate to other parts of the body. Individuals should not ignore intense pain, especially if it follows a work-related accident.
Loss of movement
One of the most alarming signs of spinal cord injury is the loss of movement, which may occur in any part of the body below the injury site. Partial or complete paralysis can happen, depending on the severity of the injury.
Lack of sensation
Spinal cord trauma could cause a loss of sensation. This includes the inability to feel heat, cold or touch. Numbness, tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation can also signal nerve damage, which means people should pay close attention to any unusual sensory changes after an accident.
Difficulty with lungs and shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath may indicate spinal cord trauma, especially if the injury is in the neck area. Breathing problems arise when the injury affects the nerves that control the respiratory muscles.
Little to no bladder or bowel control
A loss of bladder or bowel control can be a sign of spinal cord trauma. This symptom arises when the nerves that regulate these functions face damage.
Weakness and coordination issues
Weakness or problems with coordination could indicate spinal cord trauma. Difficulty walking, maintaining balance or performing simple tasks can point to nerve damage, which makes it important to observe any changes in physical abilities closely.
Recognizing these signs of spinal cord trauma can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment. After any work accident, monitoring a person’s health closely and locating medical help if any of these symptoms appear is key. Anyone suffering from an injury at work may want to seek fair compensation.