Injuries to the spine can range from minor to life-altering, and the impact of a spinal injury is often determined by how high up in the spine it occurs. No matter what level of spine injury a person suffers, having knowledgeable medical professionals involved with treatment is important for improving outcomes.
Symptoms of a Cervical Spine Injury
Cervical spine injuries can have a staggering variety of symptoms, all varying in intensity and potentially severity depending on the type and location of the injury. Serious neck injuries could cause immediate or delayed muscle weakness, loss of coordination or balance, altered reflexes, facial pain and numbness, trouble with swallowing or speaking, and possible paralysis.
Chronic symptoms can be persistent neck discomfort or shoulder pain with restriction in motion; headaches that resemble migraines; compression or damage to nerve roots resulting in abnormal sensations down the arms or legs; issues with bladder control; or even permanent quadriplegia.
Anytime someone begins to experience any changes after experiencing a blow to the head or neck region, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible for diagnosis and proper treatment.
Symptoms of a Thoracic Spine Injury
Symptoms of an injury to the thoracic spine can range from mild discomfort to acute pain stemming from physical trauma. Thoracic spine injuries often cause muscle spasms and tenderness in the mid back region, along with tenderness and pain when trying to rotate or bend the tense muscles.
Other common symptoms include joint stiffness, swelling around the injured area, decreased range of motion at the shoulder and torso joints, numbness or tingling sensations traveling down the arms, chest tightness and complaints of increased difficulty taking deep breaths due to rib cage instability.
If any of these symptoms occur after experiencing a physical trauma it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a Lumbar Spine Injury
Lumbar spine injuries are common and can be debilitating if not treated. Symptoms of a lumbar spine injury may range from localized pain in that area, to shooting pains down the legs, numbness and tingling, reduced reflexes in the lower body and general weakness or instability.
It is important to get any discomfort checked out by a physician, as left untreated a simple lumbar spine injury can quickly become chronic pain that affects mobility and quality of life. Rehabilitation treatments such as physical therapy and muscle re-education exercises, when performed correctly, can improve comfort levels and reduce recurrence rate.
Symptoms of a Sacral Spine Injury
The symptoms of a sacral spine injury can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the injury. Pain is a common symptom, which can be isolated in one area or spread across your entire backside. You may have difficulty walking or sitting, and even have shooting pains with certain movements.
Weakness, numbness, and tingling in the legs are other potential signs of a sacral spine injury. In some cases, you may experience uncontrollable bowel or bladder problems due to pressure on the spinal nerves. It is important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you feel you're exhibiting any of these symptoms in order to ensure proper treatment and maintain overall health.
Our Cleveland spine injury attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP are here for you. Trust that we’ll seek the compensation you deserve if you suffer harm because of negligence.