The spinal cord is protected by the spine, but certain injuries, such as a broken back, can lead to spinal cord compression. These injuries can compress the nerves that pass through the vertebrae or the bundle of nerves that go down the spinal cord. Broken bones, severe spinal injury, herniated disk and blood accumulation can all put pressure on the spinal cord.
Spinal cord compression can occur suddenly, such as in accident that causes a fractured or dislocated vertebra, or can develop slowly over several days. Symptoms have been known to get worse over weeks or months. Some of the warning signs of spinal cord compression include the following:
- Back pain
- Abnormal sensations
- Weakness in the muscles
- Bladder and bowel control problems
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Prompt diagnosis will help reverse or reduce the loss of function associated with this condition. A physical exam, MRI and other imaging tests are generally used to diagnose spinal cord compression. Surgery is typically used to relieve the compression of the spinal cord.
Spinal cord compression is painful and can lead to serious complications. If you have sustained this injury resulting from negligence in a car accident or other event, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You should contact an experienced Los Angeles accident attorney who will be able to review your case to determine your best course of action. Contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers at 1-800-350-8888 for a free case evaluation.
