Imagine waking up one day after an accident to find your legs feeling weak. These slight changes that you experience are early indicators of a spinal cord injury that you need to pay attention to.

Knowing the symptoms early might help seek appropriate treatment and prevent additional damage.

There are different ways how a Chicagoan may sustain a spinal cord injury. The average Chicagoan is vulnerable to a host of accidents from car accidents to slips and falls. If your injury happened due to such an act of negligence, then it’s important to consult a Chicago spinal cord injury lawyer. This legal professional can help secure the compensation you deserve.

What are Spinal Cord Injuries?

Your spinal cord is similar to a highway of nerves running down your back. It transports signals between your brain and the rest of your body. If it’s damaged, these signals could be obstructed or interrupted. This might cause issues with movement, sensation, and internal body functions like breathing or digestion.

Spinal cord injuries can occur for several reasons, like automobile accidents, falls, athletic injuries, or medical problems. Whatever the cause, early signs should be recognized to ensure appropriate and prompt attention.

Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Occasionally, spinal cord injuries may not lead to paralysis or show immediate symptoms. Instead, they begin with subtle warning signs. Watch for these early paralysis attack symptoms.

Weakness or Loss of Strength

You might feel weaker than usual, particularly in your legs or arms. Tasks that once seemed easy may suddenly become difficult.

Numbness/Tingling

A bizarre tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” sensation in your hands, legs, or elsewhere in your body could indicate a damaged spinal cord.

Loss of Balance and Coordination

If you keep stumbling more often, have difficulty standing, or feel unusually clumsy, your spinal cord may not be sending signals to your muscles properly.

Severe Neck or Back Pain

Unexpected and severe pain in the neck or back shouldn’t be ignored. This might indicate a spinal cord injury, especially after a crash or fall.

Difficulty Breathing

If your injury affects your upper back, breathing could become harder. You might feel short of breath or face trouble taking deep breaths.

What to Do if You Notice These Symptoms?

If you or someone you know has these symptoms, observe if they persist. Seek medical attention immediately. The earlier a physician assesses a spinal cord injury, the better the outcome could be.

If the injury resulted from an accident, you will also require legal assistance. Many Chicagoans turn to seasoned spinal cord injury attorneys to handle medical expenses, insurance claims, and lost wages.

How to Avoid Spinal Cord Injuries

Although accidents can happen at any time, you can take measures to prevent a spinal cord injury:

• Always wear a seat belt, whether you’re driving. Car crashes are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries.
• Wear protective gear, including helmets and pads, if you play sports, especially contact sports.
• Lifting improperly can strain your spine. Always lift heavy items with your legs, not your back.

Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury can alter your life, but most individuals adapt and lead fulfilling lives. Recovery is possible with the correct diagnosis, therapy, and support system. Chicago offers medical facilities and rehabilitation centres for spinal cord injuries. Emotional and legal support is also crucial.

Final Thoughts

Your spine is one of the most vital parts of the body. Any unusual symptoms like weakness, numbness, pain, or difficulty with movement should not be ignored. If you or a family member has experienced a spinal cord injury, seek immediate medical assistance. Don’t forget to consult a spinal cord injury attorney to learn about your rights. Your health and well-being should always come first.