Did you know that you can run, jump, lift, twist, and sit because of five extremely essential bones in your lower back? Yes, the lumbar spine controls all these daily life actions. So, it won't be wrong to say that lumbar spinal cord injuries are potentially life-changing. Although lumbar spinal cord injury is not as life-threatening as cervical SCI, you must not take it lightly.
What is The Function of Lumbar Spinal Cord?
The lumbar spine comprises five vertebrae (L1-L5) below the thoracic sections of the spine. The lumbar vertebrae are responsible for controlling the communication between the brain and the legs. The hips and groin area is damaged the most as a result of a lumbar spinal cord injury. The injury can also affect thigh flexion and lower abdominal muscles. As compared to the thoracic and cervical sections, the lumbar spine has larger vertebrae because it carries the most weight. Given that lumbar spine bears the most burden, it damages over time and results in lower back pain. The best way to combat the weakening of the lumbar spine is to do exercise, yoga and walking.
Spinal Cord Injury from Vehicle Accident
If your spinal injury was from a vehicle accident, you should consider contacting a car accident lawyer.The most severe spinal cord injuries are often from truck accident; then you should contact a semi truck accident lawyer to help you obtain money for your recovery. For specific questions involving spinal cord injuries from accidents with a motorcycle, read this article from a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Effects of Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury
Automobile accidents and falls are some of the most common causes of lumbar spinal cord injuries. The injury can either be complete or incomplete depending on the type and severity of it. As a result of the damage to the lumbar spine, the results can be:
- Limited or complete loss of feeling under the injured area
- Paraplegia (loss of sensory or motor function of lower extremities) but with some functional independence
- Temporary or permanent use of a wheelchair
- Feeling week or numb
- Impairment of function in the groin, hips, and legs
- The reduced or inability to control bowel and bladder functions
As a result of an injury of a specific lumbar nerve, the affected areas are:
- L1 and L2: Bending of hip and flexing
- L3: Straightening of knee
- L4: Bending the foot upward
- L5: Extending the toes
Due to the injury, several issues can occur, such as muscular problems, osteoarthritis, lumbar stenosis, damaged facet joints, degenerated discs, and spondylolisthesis. The good news for you is that survivors of this injury remain independent after recovering from the treatment. It means that you won’t need assistance to take care of hygienic needs. If you are unable to work due to spinal cord injuries, an employment lawyer can help you.
Treatments and Recovery
Although all spinal cord injuries are severe, lumbar SCI patients can regain their independence with the assistance of physical therapy and proper treatment. There is the availability of specific treatments for lumbar spinal cord injuries. There is no particular solution when it comes to treating the damage. It is because the treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s condition. Some of the treatments are:
Drugs:When it comes to treating spinal cord injuries, there is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs. Given that these drugs work best if you use them as early possible, it is best to get medical attention without wasting any time.
Rehabilitative Care:Physical and occupational therapies help strengthen the areas that have become weak due to the injury.
Surgery:Surgical decompression is another treatment option in which the cord is fixated, and there is a reduction of spinal nerves.
Other Procedures:There are some experimental treatments as well, such as functional electrical stimulation (FES) and stem cell injections.
What To Do If You Think You Have Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury?
Please keep in mind that moving after you’ve acquired the injury can result in a lot of additional damage. We cannot stress it enough that you need to remain calm and stay still. Don’t move even if you have to take out your phone from your pocket. Call 911 and wait for medical assistance to arrive. They will transfer you on a rigid board so that there is no unwanted leg and spine movement.
Once your treatment for the injury starts, you should seek legal advice from Nakase Law Firm. If you got injured due to a workplace or auto accident, then contact Brad Nakase so that he can help you get the compensation you deserve. Mr. Brad is a highly experienced California personal injury lawyer, and he can help you get the rightful compensation. Contact Brad Nakase at 619-550-1321 to get a free consultation.
Disclaimer: Content from the ConsciousLifeNews.com website and blog is not intended to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general consumer understanding and is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. As health and nutrition research continuously evolves, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information presented on this website.
