A serious car accident can be potentially debilitating, particularly when the accident results in spinal injuries. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of spinal fractures. Given the disabling consequences that said injuries can cause, early treatment is crucial.
Among those who suffer injuries to the spine, drivers are the most likely to experience them, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. For those who experience spinal injuries, what does recovery look like?
What does early treatment look like?
When a person suffers a spinal cord injury, doctors will stabilize a patient’s ability to breathe, will do their best to avoid complications and will prevent the patient from going into shock. According to Mayo Clinic, doctors admit patients to the ICU. Treatment involves medication, immobilization, surgery and possibly experimental treatments.
What does rehabilitation look like?
Physicians will discuss rehabilitation with patients early on. Patients often receive a rehabilitation team. On these teams, there are physical therapists, rehabilitation nurses, occupational therapists, rehabilitation psychologists, dietitians, social workers, and doctors who specialize in spinal cord injuries.
Therapists may focus on strengthening muscles, maintenance and redeveloping motor skills. Nowadays, there is equipment and technology that can help a patient to live on his or her own as much as possible. Rehabilitation involves learning new skills, preventing complications and resuming life as close to normal as possible. There are modern wheelchairs, electronic aids and robotic gait training that may help patients who suffered from the injuries. Rehab may also include medications that can manage some of the effects, such as pain, bladder control and muscle spasticity.