5 Types of Accidents That Often Cause Spinal Cord Injuries
You might not think about your spinal cord often. It’s just there, doing its job, keeping you moving, feeling, and living your life. But the moment it’s injured, everything changes.
Unfortunately, your spinal cord is not one of those body parts that gives you a hint before it gives out. One moment, you could have a perfect spine, and the next, you don’t. The worst part is that any damage to it can lead to paralysis, chronic pain, or even a permanent loss of independence.
If you or someone you love has already suffered a spinal cord injury, it’s essential to know your legal rights. A skilled spinal cord injury attorney can help you with the complex process of medical claims and secure the compensation needed for long-term care and rehabilitation.
What Kinds of Accidents Are Most Likely to Cause Spinal Cord Injuries?
Here are the top 5 causes of spinal cord injuries:
1. Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the biggest reasons people end up with spinal cord injuries. When two vehicles collide, the force of the impact is massive. Your body is designed to handle a lot, but it’s not made to withstand sudden, violent movements like the ones caused by a crash. The spine can end up twisted, bent, or compressed in ways it simply can’t handle.
The damage might be a herniated disk, which is when the cushioning between your vertebrae gets pushed out of place. This can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or even paralysis. Worse, the bones in your spine, called vertebrae, can fracture, and if those fragments move into the spinal cord, the damage can be permanent.
This is why everyone tells you to always have your seatbelt on. It is designed to reduce the impact of the crash on your spine, especially in violent car accidents.
2. Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are another common cause of spinal cord injuries. When a motorcycle crashes, the rider can be thrown off the bike and land on their back or head. This can cause serious damage to the spine, including fractures, herniated disks, and spinal cord damage.
3. Falls
Falls might seem like an everyday risk, but they’re actually one of the top causes of spinal cord injuries, especially for older individuals.
A bad fall, even from a relatively low height like a ladder or a slippery floor, can have serious consequences if your back or neck takes the brunt of the impact.
When you fall, your spine can get compressed or twisted unnaturally, and this can lead to fractured vertebrae or even spinal cord damage. This is particularly dangerous for older adults because their bones are often weaker, which means they are more prone to fractures.
4. Sports Injuries
If you’re into sports, you know how intense things can get. Collisions, falls, or sudden impacts are all part of the game, but they’re also prime scenarios for spinal injuries.
Contact sports like football or rugby, as well as activities like gymnastics or skiing, carry a higher risk because of the physical strain and the potential for awkward landings.
When an athlete gets hit or falls, the force can compress or twist their spine, causing fractures, herniated disks, or even direct damage to the spinal cord.
Proper technique and conditioning can reduce the risks, but the odds are significantly better if you wear protective gear, like helmets and padded clothing, adds an extra layer of defense.
5. Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. When workers fall or are struck by objects, they can damage their spines. In physically demanding jobs, falls from ladders or scaffolding, or being struck by heavy objects, are leading causes of spinal injuries. Even in less risky environments, a slip on a wet floor or lifting something the wrong way can lead to serious damage.
What Can You Do to Stay Safe?
Well, here are a few tips:
- Always wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car.
- Wear protective gear when riding a motorcycle or playing sports.
- Be careful when walking or working in slippery or uneven conditions.
- Take regular breaks when working or playing to avoid fatigue.
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