After a car or truck accident, some injuries might not show up right away. While many expect immediate pain or inability to move, spinal cord injuries can sometimes cause symptoms that are easy to overlook.
These signs can develop gradually, or an adrenaline rush could mask the injury. Ignoring symptoms could lead to more serious complications later on. If you’ve been in a wreck, knowing what to look for could make a big difference in your recovery.
Unexplained weakness or numbness
One of the earliest signs of harm to your spinal cord might be weakness or numbness in your arms or legs. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, any unusual sensation in your limbs could mean damage to your spine.
You might feel like your muscles are getting tired too quickly or that parts of your body are “falling asleep” for no reason. If these sensations don’t go away or worsen over time, they could point to a more serious underlying injury.
Trouble with balance and coordination
After an accident, you might notice that you’re suddenly having trouble walking or staying balanced. This might feel like stumbling more often or struggling to keep your footing on surfaces that used to feel easy to walk on.
Even slight difficulty coordinating your movements could be a sign of damage to your spine. Sometimes, people chalk these issues up to feeling shaken up after the accident, but it could mean more than just nerves.
Changes in bladder or bowel function
Spinal cord injuries can also affect bodily functions that may seem unrelated to your back. If you suddenly experience trouble controlling your bladder or bowel movements after an accident, this could be a sign of spinal cord damage.
Pay attention to these warning signs after an accident, even if they don’t seem connected to your spine at first. Discovering the root of your problems is key to fighting for full compensation. Also, the sooner you address potential spinal cord injuries, the better your chances of recovery and avoiding long-term issues.