Spinal Injury and Social Security Disability Benefits
Spinal cord injuries are one of the most disabling conditions that can occur. The spine is a delicate area of the body and is prone to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to debilitating. In the spine, a column of 33 bones, or vertebrae, forms a protective structure for the spinal nerve tissue, connective cells that carry information between the brain and the rest of the body. Spinal injuries may occur anywhere along the spinal cord, from the top of the spine around the neck, to the bottom of the spine at the coccyx.
A complete spinal cord injury involves the loss of motor function and sensation at the injury site and below. If a victim is diagnosed with a partial spinal cord injury, he or she is able to recoup some sensation or motor function below the location of the injury. The majority of serious spinal cord injuries result in disability due to permanent paralysis of the upper and lower body (quadriplegia) or only the lower body (paraplegia). Patients with partial injuries have a much better chance of recovering from spinal damage than those with complete injuries.
Why Spinal Injuries are Debilitating
The effects of a spinal injury are determined by the location on the spine and the severity of the impact. In most cases of spinal injury, the higher up on the spine the trauma occurred, the greater the odds of paralysis. Here are a few of the potentially disabling effects of spinal injury:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Extreme back or neck pain
- Pressure in the neck, head, or back
- Loss of sensation
- Sexual dysfunction
- Breathing problems
- paralysis
- Muscle spasm
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Tingling sensations in the extremities
- Urinary infections
- Bedsores
Causes of Spinal Injuries
Most severe spinal cord injuries result from a traumatic blow. Auto accidents are currently the leading cause of these injuries. Violent crimes, falls, and sports injuries are also to blame for many injuries of the spine. Many diseases can also cause damage to the spine, including arthritis, infection, and cancer.
Spinal Injury Treatments
The treatments recommended for spinal injuries depend on the area of the spine affected and the symptoms exhibited. In many cases, the damage is irreversible and treatment is focused on preventing further damage and adjusting to a disability. Treatments may include medications, immobilization (traction), range-of-motion exercises, and multiple therapies. Surgery to stabilize the spine or remove bone fragments, herniated discs, or fractured vertebrae may be needed.
Rehabilitation with help from a team of specialists can improve the condition and prognosis of a spinal cord patient. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other therapies may be applied. A psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, dietitian, and other team members can work together to help spinal cord injury victims improve their quality of life.
A spinal cord injury does not have to mean a financial downfall. Let the disability attorneys at The Cochran Firm help you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. For more details on the Social Security benefits requirements and your rights, please contact our disability lawyers today. We offer free case reviews and exceptional personal attention.
The Cochran Firm handles claims for clients throughout the United States of America. Please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
Jr. may have become well known for his representation of celebrities in high-profile and groundbreaking cases, but his true measure of success came from his lifelong dedication in the fight for the injured and the disenfranchised throughout America. It was Johnnie’s dream to bring justice to all Americans who suffer because of the wrongdoings of individuals, corporations, or governmental entities. This dream was realized when Johnnie became founding partner of the national law firm of Cochran, Cherry, Givens, Smith, P.C. The Cochran Firm, as it is known today, has become one of the largest firms serving injured people and their families. Located in major cities throughout the United States, The Cochran Firm offers extensive national resources, legal talent and leadership to its clients. Providing assistance to those seeking a Social Security disability lawyer is just one more way the Cochran Firm is helping people in need.
