In the weeks or days after an accident that involves your back or spine, you may begin to struggle with tasks you once easily accomplished. Whether this is driving or lifting boxes of items, a spinal cord injury can affect all parts of your life.
One of the hardest parts about these kinds of injuries is knowing the common signs of one. Being vigilant can help if you are questioning what steps to take next.
Leg and arm muscle changes
According to the Mayo Clinic, you may begin to notice unfamiliar sensations in the nerve endings of your limbs during the time after you fall. You could even struggle to feel anything at all, including hot or cold surfaces.
This kind of numbness can lead to a spike in anxiety for you since it is so unlike what you normally feel. This lack of sensation can also increase as time continues so it is important to seek immediate medical help if you notice it early on.
Pressure and problems with balance
The way that you typically walk or stand can change if you suffer from a spinal cord injury. You may feel more clumsy or trip and fall more often. Even standing up from a sitting position can leave you with aches and pains.
Noticing a strange pressure on your neck is another sign that can often go unnoticed.
Improper bowel releases
Struggling to completely empty your bowels and bladder can leave you frustrated. You may not know why it is suddenly hard to tell when you need to use the bathroom.
Being aware of spinal cord injuries and the ways they harm your life is important if you think you suffer from one.
