What to Expect after a Spinal Injury

Although a serious bodily injury, such as a spinal cord injury, can be traumatic, it is possible to learn how to deal with your injuries and adapt to your new way of life.

If you have recently suffered a spinal cord injury, there are certain changes to expect. To start, you may experience circulatory issues as a result of the injury. These can range from severe (spinal shock) to moderate (low blood pressure). It is important to monitor your health to avoid such complications as development of blood clots like a pulmonary embolus or deep vein thrombosis.

Your respiratory system may also be affected by a spinal cord injury. You could experience difficulty in breathing  as your chest muscles, such as the diaphragm and abdomen, might be affected. Depending on the amount of neurological damage that was done, your breathing could be greatly affected or not at all. A thoracic or cervical spinal cord injury could lead to pneumonia and other lung problems.

If you've sustained a spinal injury, speak with a personal injury lawyer about your options if you were hurt due to someone's negligence.