After a car accident or another vehicle collision, you may not notice any major differences in how you walk or how your body feels at first.
However, as time goes on, symptoms of spinal cord trauma can leave you struggling to complete everyday tasks. Learning about how to spot those signs and what to do next is important.
Lung and breathing problems
According to the Mayo Clinic, you may not be able to breathe without feeling any bursts of pain or stinging sensations after a serious hit to your spinal cord. An intense wave of shock, particularly from a devastating car crash or another incident, can mask these feelings at first.
If you notice clear fluid or other kinds of liquid coming from your lungs when you cough, this could be a sign of a more serious spinal problem. Your lungs may ache or you may struggle to take a full breath in.
Bladder issues
Being able to freely urinate without pain, as well as being able to control your bladder when you need to use the bathroom, is important. Spinal cord injuries can damage your ability to tell how empty or full your bladder is. This kind of injury can also lead to kidney stones or other urinary tract infections.
Confusion and tiredness
Excessive tiredness in the weeks or months following an accident is a common sign of spinal cord trauma. You may forget conversations you had recently or struggle to concentrate on what people are saying to you. If you find yourself sleeping more than usual, you may want to look into learning more about spinal cord injuries.