Seattle Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a carrier for nerve signals sent by the brain to all other parts of the body. Although referred to as a "cord," it is actually a thick bundle of nerves protected by the thirty-three bones (called vertebrae) that make up the spine. The vertebrae are divided into three groups. The upper vertebrae are known as cervical; the middle thoracic; and the lower, lumbar.
Accidents such as car crashes or slips and falls can put a tremendous strain on the back and spinal column, causing injuries ranging from basic whiplash or a herniated disc to permanent paralysis. These injuries can have long-lasting effects for the victim, causing even daily tasks to become terribly painful. In addition, whether your injury has sent you to a chiropractor, acupuncturist, physical therapist, or a residential rehabilitation center, back injuries can result in extensive medical and other costs.

In the event the spinal cord has been damaged or severed, communication between the brain and body is cut off. The victim will likely suffer from some degree of paralysis - numbness, loss of feeling, and loss of motor control - below the afflicted area. A victim could potentially suffer from paraplegia, which involves paralysis of the lower limbs, or quadriplegia, paralysis of all four limbs. The physical effects of these conditions can include numbness; intense or radiating pain; loss of grip strength; loss of sensation; difficulty breathing; impaired muscle movement; or total loss of muscle movement. Other associated effects include chronic pain as well as the need for long-term physical therapy, medical treatment, personal care, and at-home assistance.

It is important to get proper representation from a Seattle spinal injury attorney if you have been injured in an accident due to negligence. Sphere: Related Content