Santa Barbara Spine Injury Attorneys

Incomplete vs Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

Not all spinal cord injuries are alike. Generally, these injuries can be divided into two different categories – incomplete and complete. Those suffering from an incomplete spinal cord injury would still have some function below the affected area. For example, a survivor might be able to move one side of the body better than the other or can feel parts of the body that cannot be moved. Those suffering from a complete spinal cord injury, on the other hand, cannot voluntary move or feel sensation in any of the body parts below the affected areas.

Common Causes of Spine Injuries

Below are some of the most common causes of back and spinal cord injuries:

• Sports-related trauma
• Gunshot wounds
• Stab wounds
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Medical malpractice
• A direct blow to the back
• Assault
• Slip and fall accidents

Symptoms of Spine Injury

Although the symptoms of a spinal cord injury vary, depending on the severity of the injury, these are some of the most common:

• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle spasms
• Numbness and pain
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Loss of sensation
• Inability to walk or move the extremities

Treating a Spinal Cord Injury

Hospitalization is often required for spinal cord injury survivors. After achieving stabilization, your caregivers will likely create a plan to both manage your symptoms and assist your recovery. Physical therapy is often a major component of a spinal cord injury survivor’s life. The body’s nervous system can be rewired, helping the brain work around the site of the injury. Although some spinal cord injury survivors are able to move, walk, or regain function through physical therapy, there are never any guarantees. However, effective treatment can help improve symptoms and improve mobility.