A spinal cord injury changes everything instantly and permanently. Whether it happens in a split second during a car accident, a bad fall, or a surgical mishap, the impact ripples far beyond the physical symptoms. For the person living with a spinal cord injury, their journey is now marked with challenges.
If you or someone you care about is facing the aftermath of a spinal cord injury, you need to know about what could happen in the future. Here are some of the lifelong implications of a spinal cord injury.
How a Spinal Cord Injury Affects the Body
According to data from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), nearly 17,000 new cases of spinal cord injury occur in the United States every year. These can happen in a variety of ways from car crashes and truck accidents to slips and falls and medical mistakes.
The spinal cord is the main communication line between the brain and the rest of the body. When that pathway is damaged, the result can be partial or total paralysis, loss of sensation, and difficulty controlling bodily functions. The severity of the injury depends on where the injury occurred and whether it is classified as complete or incomplete.
Some people may be diagnosed with paraplegia in the lower body, while others face tetraplegia that limits movement in all four limbs and the torso.
Along with that, spinal cord injuries bring lifelong issues, such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, respiratory problems, and trouble with bladder and bowel control.
And these complications do not stop evolving. Over time, you may encounter new medical concerns: pressure sores, infections, bone loss, or cardiovascular strain. In these circumstances, ongoing medical care and consistent monitoring become a part of the injured person’s everyday lives.
The Financial Reality
There is no getting around it, spinal cord injuries are expensive. The first year of care alone can cost hundreds of thousands. Many times, the lifetime cost can reach millions. These costs include medical bills, in-home care, therapy, equipment, transportation, and home modifications. Even with good insurance, many families struggle with the financial burden.
To add to that, the person injured may no longer be able to work or may need to change careers. Family members often reduce their own work hours to provide care. In turn, that can strain household finances.
For those injured because of someone else’s negligence, pursuing a personal injury claim may be a way to secure the resources needed for long-term care and support.
Ongoing Rehab and Care
There is no “cure” for a spinal cord injury. But there are ways to regain independence, confidence, and quality of life. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and pain management can all help. Rehabilitation helps you relearn how to function in a new reality and find ways to thrive.
Today’s technology makes a big difference. Wheelchairs are more advanced, adaptive devices are more intelligent, and innovations like exoskeletons or voice-controlled home systems are opening doors that used to be closed. However, these tools can be expensive and not always accessible to everyone.
Life Doesn’t Stop, But It Changes
Everything from your morning routine to your social life shifts after a spinal cord injury. What used to take minutes might now take hours. Daily activities, such as getting dressed, showering, cooking, and driving require adaptive equipment or hands-on help.
Your home may need modifications, like ramps, widened doorways, or stair lifts. Your social plans might start to revolve around accessibility. And while some relationships strengthen through adversity, others may grow strained. It can feel like the world keeps moving while you relearn how to navigate it.
But many people living with spinal cord injuries find new ways to stay active, connect with others, and pursue the things they love. Adaptive sports, creative outlets, advocacy work, and career changes can be a part of many people’s post-injury lives.
The Emotional Weight
However, no one prepares a person for the emotional aftermath of a spinal cord injury. There is the immediate shock, grief, and fear. Plus, there is the long-term emotional adjustment. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common. When your independence is suddenly limited, it can be easy to feel lost.
A sound support system consisting of family, friends, therapists, and people who’ve gone through the same thing can help. Talking about what you are going through is not always easy, but it is a powerful step. Mental health care is as important as physical rehabilitation, especially from professionals who understand spinal cord injuries.
The Strain on Loved Ones
Spinal cord injuries do not happen only to individuals; they also affect families. Caregivers are partners, parents, children, or siblings. Their lives change, too. Being a caregiver can be exhausting, emotional, and overwhelming.
Looking Towards the Future
A spinal cord injury marks a dramatic turning point in a person’s life. It brings lasting change, but it is not the end of joy, purpose, or connection. Many people living with spinal cord injuries go on to raise families, build careers, travel, compete in sports, and advocate for others.
If you have been injured in an accident or due to someone else’s negligence, Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, is ready to assist. We can help you hold those parties responsible for their actions and secure the compensation you deserve.
