Causes And Prevention Of Spinal Cord Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spinal cord injuries are one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. When the spinal cord gets injured, it can slow down or completely stop the body’s functioning.

What Causes Spinal Cord Injuries?

Car Accidents

Both drivers and passengers are at risk of sustaining serious injuries from car accidents. The force from a crash may cause blunt-force trauma to the spine, injuring it. Also, spinal damage occurs when a person is thrown around violently within a vehicle during an accident.

Diving

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons recommends that you don’t dive into any body of water unless you can see the bottom. There might be rocks, debris, or other obstacles just below the surface or even covered by leaves or mud. Even if the water is only a couple of feet deep, you could hit your head on something under the water and suffer a spinal cord injury.

Gunshot Wounds

Gunshot wounds to the neck or back can cause spinal cord injuries. When a bullet passes through the spinal canal, it can damage or destroy nerve tissue, cause bleeding, and compress the spinal cord.

Medical Issues And diseases

Infections such as poliovirus, meningitis, encephalitis, and cancer cells can cause permanent damage to the spinal cord. Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation in the spine, causing pain and stiffness. Seek medical assistance if you have a related illness. If the doctor doesn’t respond or neglects you, hire a medical malpractice lawyer for compensation.

How To Prevent Spinal Cord Injuries

Consider The House Structure

To reduce your risk of falling, remove clutter from pathways and rooms. Keep electrical cords out of walkways and use night lights to illuminate dark hallways, stairs, and bathrooms. In addition, install handrails on both sides of stairways, grab bars in bathrooms and window guards.

Wear seat belts

Wear a safety belt when you drive or ride in a car, and use restraints for children in your vehicle. When riding a bike or motorcycle, always wear a helmet with a chin strap. Also, use protective gear such as wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads during activities such as skating and skateboarding.

Avoid Carrying Heavier Objects

If you work in an environment where you have to lift heavy objects, make sure you follow the correct health and safety procedures. Be careful when lifting household items to avoid straining your back. If you have to lift a heavy object, bend at the knees and not at the waist. Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body. If possible, push rather than pull heavy objects.

Be Cautious When Diving

Make sure the water you’re diving into is clear. If there is any doubt about the depth of the water, don’t dive. Make sure there aren’t any rocks or other objects that could cause injury. Always have a buddy with you when diving, even in shallow water.

Avoid Climbing Heights

When working at height, remember to use all the appropriate equipment, including a safety belt or harness. Wear protective headgear like a hard hat to protect your head from potential falling objects, and avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught in machinery. Also, have another person with you who can help if you fall.

Maintain A Good Posture

If your posture is poor, your spine will eventually be affected. Poor posture strains the spine’s supporting muscles and places pressure on the discs. Good posture helps maintain proper alignment, reduces strain on muscles, ligaments, and discs in the spine, and reduces your risk of spinal injury.

Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating of all injuries. These injuries can take over a person’s life and create huge financial burdens for the patient, family members, and society as a whole. Therefore, it’s best to know the causes and take preventive measures.