It is imperative that you seek medical attention if you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident or other personal injury event. Even if you feel no adverse symptoms immediately, you should always see your doctor. This is because your spine may have been injured, and you might not even know it.
A spinal injury, even a serious one, may not be instantly recognized. The victim may feel fine at first and walk away from the accident feeling unscathed. However, a spinal injury left untreated can lead to more serious problems further down the road.
The Spine Is Delicate
The spine is an integral part of the body’s central nervous system, as it is the way the brain sends its messages to the other parts of the body. The base of the brain contains millions of nerve cells and is connected to your spine. These messages to and from the brain through the spinal cord control muscles and carry information about the surrounding environment such as pain, heat, and cold.
The spine is made up of many disks and vertebrae, and when just one of these is compromised, the whole system can be in danger.
Damage to the Spine
Damage to the spine can distress many parts of your body, including:
- Movement of muscles
- Ability to breathe
- Bowel control
- Bladder control
- Sexual function
Numbness or Paralysis
The extent of a spinal injury might not be immediately apparent to the accident victim as some injuries develop over time. This occurs because there may be gradual swelling or bleeding around or in the spinal cord itself. This damage from the bleeding and swelling can occur over many weeks, not necessarily instantaneously.
Seeing a doctor immediately after an accident can ensure that you are not suffering from serious conditions and help your case should you seek compensation for your personal injury. If you have been the victim of a personal injury, please contact Shlesinger and deVilleneuve Attorneys for your free consultation today.
