Major accidents can cause back and spine damage quite easily. In fact, damage to the back and spine make up some of the most common accident-related injuries both in car crashes and in work-related incidents.
It is important to pay attention to the functionality of the body in the days following an incident. Spinal cord injuries do not always manifest in the ways one might expect, after all.
Trouble with sensation
Mayo Clinic discusses some of the symptoms of spinal cord injuries. Trouble with sensations of the skin will usually make up one of the first signs that something is amiss. This can include trouble feeling pain, or difficulty sensing the differences in temperature.
This may cause problems in the future, as a person might not realize they suffered from an injury due to the lack of sensation in the area, which can potentially lead to infection or other complications.
Spinal cord trouble can also lead to changes in bowel function. This can make it hard for a person to tell when they need to use the restroom. It can also lead to incontinence and random loss of bowel control.
Over time, this might also lead to increased complications that may include things like kidney stones or bladder infections.
Respiratory system issues
Finally, issues with the respiratory system could potentially start. This includes potential shortness of breath which can range from mild irritation, all the way up to serious pneumonia risk due to secretions in the lungs.
Together, these signs may indicate some serious problems with the spinal cord that need addressing as soon as possible.