The spinal cord is one of the most important parts of the body’s nervous system. Since the spinal cord connects the brain to the nerves in the rest of the body, injuries that affect the spine can disrupt the messages sent and received by the brain. Depending on the location of the injury and the extent of the damage, a person may experience severe pain, tingling, or numbness. In severe cases, a spinal cord injury may result in partial or complete paralysis that affects different parts of the body, and the loss of use of these body parts will likely result in permanent disabilities.
While some spinal cord injuries may occur because of diseases or health conditions, in many cases, another person is to blame for causing physical harm to a person. Car accidents are a common cause of injuries to the spine. People may also suffer spine injuries in slip and fall accidents, and elderly people are especially susceptible to serious harm in these cases. Those who have suffered serious injuries because of someone else’s negligence or intentional actions will want to work with an attorney to determine how they can receive financial compensation that addresses the harm done to them and their family.
The Extent of Spine Injuries Depends on the Level Where the Injury Occurred
While the vertebrae in the spine protect the spinal cord, the impact by a heavy object or projectile may cause the vertebrae to be crushed, damaging the nerves. In some cases, an impact may sever the spinal cord completely. Unnatural motions, such as extreme bending of the neck or back, may stretch or compress the spinal cord, causing irreparable damage to the nerves.
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