Every year, thousands of people in the United States suffer spinal cord injuries caused by car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, or other traumatic events. These injuries are often life-changing, not just for the person directly affected but also for their families. One of the most important factors in treatment and recovery is recognizing the symptoms of a spinal cord injury early on. But how do you know when back pain or numbness is something serious, and when should you seek medical and legal help?
In this article, we’ll walk through the most common symptoms of spinal cord injuries, why they matter, and what steps you can take to protect yourself legally and medically. If you or someone you love has suffered such an injury in New Mexico, understanding these warning signs could make all the difference in your recovery and in securing fair compensation.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when trauma, disease, or compression damages the bundle of nerves running down your spine. Because the spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body, even a small injury can disrupt movement, sensation, and basic bodily functions. The severity of symptoms often depends on:
- The location of the injury: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral spine
- The completeness of the injury: complete SCI, meaning no function below the injury, vs. incomplete SCI, where some signals get through
Recognizing the early symptoms of spinal cord injury can help prevent further harm and provide evidence in potential legal claims.
Common Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
Loss of Movement: One of the most immediate signs of a spinal cord injury is paralysis or weakness in the arms, legs, or both. Depending on the level of the injury, it could be paraplegia which affects the legs and lower body, or it could be quadriplegia (or tetraplegia) which affects all four limbs and the torso. This sudden inability to move should always be treated as an emergency.
Loss of Bowel and Bladder Control: The nerves that regulate bladder and bowel function often run through the lower spinal cord. Damage in this area can lead to incontinence or the inability to relieve oneself without assistance.
Loss of Coordination or Balance: If you suddenly cannot walk straight, lose balance easily, or have trouble with fine motor skills like buttoning a shirt, it could signal spinal cord involvement.
Altered Sensation: Victims may notice numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in hands, feet, or other areas. This may start subtly, like pins and needles, but can quickly progress to total loss of sensation.
Difficulty Breathing: High-level spinal cord injuries, especially those in the cervical region, may impair breathing muscles. This can cause shortness of breath, weak coughing, or even respiratory failure.
Extreme Pain or Pressure: Some people experience sharp, stabbing pain at the site of injury, while others describe a crushing pressure in their back or neck. Persistent pain following trauma should never be ignored.
Secondary Symptoms That May Develop Over Time
Not all symptoms appear immediately after a spinal cord injury. Some progress slowly over the course of hours or even days, making them more difficult to recognize at first.
This delay can be dangerous, as worsening symptoms often indicate ongoing damage or complications that require urgent medical attention. For this reason, accident victims should continue monitoring their condition closely and seek follow-up care if any new issues arise.
Muscle Spasms are common after spinal cord injuries and may present as sudden, uncontrollable jerking or stiffness in the muscles. These spasms can interfere with daily activities and may become painful or disruptive without proper medical treatment. Involuntary jerking or tightness
Circulatory Problems can cause damage to the spinal cord that can disrupt normal blood flow, leading to dangerously low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or a higher risk of blood clots. These conditions not only affect overall health but can also increase the risk of life-threatening complications if untreated.
Sexual Dysfunction can be impacted by a spinal cord injury that causes difficulties with sensation, arousal, or performance. While the effects vary based on the level of injury, they can create physical and emotional challenges for both the individual and their partner.
Chronic Pain is experienced by many after a spinal cord injury, which results from damaged nerves sending faulty pain signals to the brain. This pain can persist long after the initial injury and may worsen with time, significantly affecting quality of life.
Why Recognizing Symptoms Early Matters
Medical Emergency Response: Immediate recognition allows doctors to stabilize the spine, reduce swelling, and prevent worsening injury. Quick intervention can make a difference between partial and complete paralysis.
Building a Legal Case: Documenting early symptoms helps create a timeline of events. This medical record can be crucial if you pursue compensation through a personal injury claim in New Mexico. Insurance companies often argue that symptoms developed later or were unrelated; medical documentation strengthens your case.
Preserving Quality of Life: The sooner rehabilitation begins, the better the long-term outlook. Identifying spinal cord injury symptoms early ensures proper treatment plans are created, improving independence and mobility.
Practical Advice for Accident Victims
- Don’t ignore symptoms – Even mild tingling, numbness, or weakness after a fall or car accident can signal a serious spinal injury that requires immediate attention. Ignoring these signs may allow the condition to worsen and lead to permanent damage.
- Seek emergency care – If you experience paralysis, loss of bladder control, or difficulty breathing, call 911 right away to prevent further harm. Quick medical intervention can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes.
- Document everything – Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical visits, treatments, and how the injury affects your daily life. This documentation not only helps doctors provide better care but also supports your case if you pursue a legal claim.
- Consult with a New Mexico personal injury lawyer – An attorney can explain your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and guide you through the legal process. They can also pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, helping relieve financial stress as you recover.
Limitations of Self-Diagnosis
While online resources are helpful, no article replaces a professional medical evaluation. Only doctors, often with imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans, can confirm the presence and severity of spinal cord injuries. Victims should not rely solely on self-assessment.
From a legal standpoint, self-diagnosis is not valid evidence. Courts and insurance companies require medical documentation from licensed professionals.
Committed to Protecting Your Future
At Ruhmann Law Firm, we understand how devastating spinal cord injuries can be for victims and their families. Our team is dedicated to helping clients in New Mexico pursue justice and fair compensation after accidents caused by negligence. Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, workplace incident, or fall, we have experience handling these complex cases with skill and compassion.
When you work with our firm, you can expect clear communication, personal attention, and a strong advocate who will fight for your rights. We focus on easing your burden so you can concentrate on healing and rebuilding your life. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury, our firm is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.