One of the resulting injuries that is common in a range of different types of accidents in Louisiana is a back injury. Falls, collisions, bumps and many other accidents can easily jar your back or cause injury to that area. You may not feel the injury right away, but once it sets in, it can be debilitating. It is essential that you do not just chalk up back pain to a strained muscle or something minor, especially if you notice certain signs that indicate the spinal cord may also have an injury.
The Mayo Clinic explains that almost any back injury can be severe. There are some signs, though, that it is very serious and you need to see a medical professional right away. If you lose feeling or use of any limbs, it could signal a spinal cord injury. While this may be temporary, not getting it checked out by a doctor could lead to lasting effects.
If you lose control of your bladder or bowels, this also is a signal that a back injury could involve the spine. Trouble breathing or odd reflexes are other good indicators that something is going on with your spinal cord.
Even weakness or tingling is a bad sign after an injury to the back. You should always pay attention to anything that is out of the ordinary. A spinal cord injury could worsen and lead to serious repercussions, such as paralysis. If you notice symptoms that point to a spinal cord issue, see a doctor right away. This information is for education and is not legal advice.