Suffering a fall on a floor inside of a public place might not cause you a lot of pain. You may think that you avoided a bad outcome and not give the fall much thought. Some falls, however, can still result in something serious like a spinal cord injury even if you do not experience symptoms at first.
Some falls only create a small injury that doctors can treat with little to no lasting problems afterward. But as The Mayo Clinic explains, a spinal cord injury can take a turn for the worse if you do not receive a diagnosis in enough time.
How spinal cord injuries progress
Some spinal cord injuries result in herniated discs or cracked vertebrate. If left untreated, the damage to a vertebrate can put more and more pressure on the spinal cord. Some falls can also create swelling in or around the spinal cord which may get worse with time. In addition, a fall may cause bleeding around your spine.
Symptoms of spinal cord injuries
Certain symptoms may tip you off that you have spinal cord trouble. You may feel weakness or trouble coordinating your movements when you walk. You could also experience spasms, exaggerated reflex motions, coughing, or a loss of control of your bladder or bowels.
Some symptoms are more serious and could constitute a medical emergency. Some spinal cord injuries can twist the neck or back in a strange way or create severe back pain. A loss of sensation in your limbs or paralysis might start to manifest. You could also have problems with your breathing.
Serious outcomes from an injury
The challenges you may face from a severe spinal cord injury can affect many aspects of your life. You may not be able to work at your current job or perhaps at many other workplaces. You might require medical attention for the rest of your life if you suffer a complete spinal cord injury. Be aware of the possible outcomes from a fall and seek a doctor’s diagnosis as soon as you can.