If you are a victim of severe spinal injuries, you are probably uncertain of what lies ahead in life, and rightly so. The spinal cord is one of the most complex body parts, and despite the advancement in medical technology, not every spinal cord injury can be repaired.
Therefore, not even your doctor can answer with certainty whether a full recovery is in the offing, given that such injuries are unpredictable. Here is what you need to know.
Spinal injuries will affect your physical capabilities
Injuries to the spine can cause partial or total paralysis, which can limit your ability to move around. However, it is not only the limbs that may be affected. You may experience difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, breathing, and even be prone to bedsores since your movement is limited.
Your mental health may be affected
Studies have shown close links between victims of spinal injuries and mental health disorders. For instance, being totally dependent on your loved ones may take a toll on your self-esteem, which may develop into something else, such as depression. You may also be prone to post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, all of which may negatively affect your mental wellbeing.
You may be more prone to certain conditions
Since you cannot walk around or exercise like before, your bones are likely to weaken, leading to fractures even from a slight bump. Additionally, your immunity may be lowered by stress or lack of physical activities, thereby exposing you to the risk of a compromised immune system.
Adjusting to life and getting justice
You should be proactive in safeguarding your legal rights in all the spheres of your life. If your spinal injuries resulted from somebody else’s negligence, you ought to hold them accountable for their actions.
Compensation may not resolve all your problems, but it will go a long way in making things easier and helping you cope with your condition.