Spinal injuries can have a lasting effect on your life, causing not only immediate pain and discomfort but also long-term complications that can persist for years or even a lifetime. Understanding the potential long-term challenges can help you better prepare for the road ahead.
There are several common complications to consider.
1. Chronic pain
Damage to the spinal cord or surrounding nerves can lead to ongoing pain that may be difficult to manage, even with medication or therapy. This pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making it challenging to perform daily activities or maintain employment.
2. Mobility issues
Long-term mobility issues after a spinal injury can range from difficulty walking or standing to complete paralysis of the lower body. You might need assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or walkers, and may face significant lifestyle changes and home modifications as a result.
3. Bladder and bowel dysfunction
Spinal injuries can disrupt the normal function of the bladder and bowels, leading to incontinence or difficulty with elimination. You might experience urinary tract infections or constipation as a result.
4. Respiratory complications
Spinal injuries can also affect the muscles responsible for breathing, particularly if the injury occurs in the cervical region. This causes difficulty breathing, reduced lung capacity and an increased risk of respiratory infections. Individuals with these complications may require ongoing therapy or assistive devices to maintain proper respiratory function.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury, seek medical care that supports both immediate and long-term needs. Factor that care and the lasting effects into your settlement negotiations to get the compensation that you deserve.