4 Things You Should Do If You Suspect You've Injured Your Spine
Spinal cord injuries are serious. When untreated, these injuries may cause paralysis or even death. You can hurt your spine in a variety of ways, from a car collision to a particularly bad fall. No matter how you hurt your spine, proper and prompt treatment is necessary. Here are four things you should do if you believe you have injured your spine:
1. See a doctor at once.
If you get involved in an accident that may have hurt your back, you should visit a doctor. You may feel fine, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're unharmed. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, especially if you still have a lot of adrenaline in your system. If you're unable to walk or stand, have someone call an ambulance for you. Try not to move, since movement can worsen any existing injury. Stay as still as possible until paramedics can arrive.
2. Participate in necessary testing.
In order to properly diagnose a spinal cord injury, your doctor will need to give you an x-ray. This will allow them to see any damage to your skeletal system that isn't readily apparent to the naked eye. If anything looks abnormal on your x-ray, your doctor may order additional tests, including imaging performed with a CT scan. According to Mayo Clinic, your doctor may also want to test your responsiveness to physical sensations; this will tell them if you have sustained any nerve damage.
3. Undergo spinal rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation can help you gain back some of your bodily function after a spinal cord injury. Even if you weren't paralyzed, your muscles may be weak, and you may have a difficult time controlling your limbs fully. Spinal injury rehabilitation will focus on strengthening your body and allowing you to regain motor function. It's important to start rehab as soon as your doctor says you're healthy enough to do so. This will help you preserve as much function as possible. Look for a spine injury rehabilitation center where you can be treated. Your doctor can refer you to a center that they trust.
4. Become familiar with medical devices.
If you were partially paralyzed as a result of your spinal cord injury, certain medical devices can make your life easier. A wheelchair can increase your mobility and allow you more freedom to move through the world. Find out what options are available to you; your insurance may pay for the cost of medical devices that your doctor recommends.
Contact a spine injury rehabilitation center near you if you need help with your spinal injury.
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