Accidents come in all shapes and sizes, and they can lead to a range of different injuries ranging from light bruising to traumatic brain injuries. However, one of the most devastating injuries a person can experience is a spinal injury, which can leave a person paralyzed and change lives forever. Throughout this article, we take a look beyond paralysis and explore the wider consequences of spinal injuries.
Financial Strain
Spinal injuries often lead to some form of loss of movement or excruciating pain while carrying out activities. This usually means having to take time out of work while recovering, and in some cases, it spells an end to working forever. The loss of earnings caused by the accident will cause financial strain, especially when there are medical bills and other costs of living to pay.
Mental Health Issues
Spinal cord injuries tend to leave people feeling anxiety, depression, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). These feelings are perfectly justified and are often paired with overwhelming despair and hopelessness at the prospect of never regaining mobility again. As well as this, ongoing pain caused by the injury can add to feelings of isolation and fear.
Fertility Issues
Most people associate fertility with the reproductive organs, but the spinal cord plays an important role as well. For example, the brain sends signals to the rest of the body through the spinal cord to produce sperm or eggs. Without this means of communication, the chances of fertility can drop significantly.
These days, there are some excellent treatments available to help with fertility after a spinal injury, but there are zero guarantees they will work.
A Loss of Bowel and Bladder Control
Damage to the spinal cord may sever the nerves responsible for controlling the bowels and bladder, which can lead to incontinence. There are some cases when a person simply can’t feel that they need to go to the toilet, which can lead to accidents.
Relationship Stresses
Depending on the severity of the injury, you may require constant care and simply become a shell of the person you were before. The harsh reality is that many relationships will be put to the test including long-term partners and close family members. Even though you may feel alone at times and some relationships may be lost forever, it’s important to remember that you’ll have the strongest bonds left over, which are worth more than any other relationship with a person that would walk away during a time of need.
Reduced Quality of Life
Not being able to work or take care of yourself aren’t the only potential issues following a spinal cord issue. After all, a large part of life is engaging in meaningful and enjoyable activities. For example, if you used to blow off steam by playing sports or going to the gym, you may have to find suitable alternatives like doing light weights at home.
Spinal injuries are more damaging than physical potential paralysis. There will be financial stress, relationships will be tested, and some people suffer from a range of mental health conditions.
If you’ve been impacted by a spinal injury, make sure you contact us at the Scarlet Law Group. Our office address is below:
536 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
Or call now for a free consultation on (415) 352-6264.