What are some hidden signs of spinal cord injuries?

After a crash or fall, you may walk away feeling more or less like your regular self. After a few days or weeks, however, you may realize that you have symptoms you did not notice before.

Identifying the signs of a spinal cord injury can help you stay safe after a serious incident.

Problems with your bladder and bowels

According to the Mayo Clinic, you may notice that it is hard to empty your bowels in the time after an injury. This lack of control can leave you struggling to urinate or defecate when you want to. Not only does this interfere with your urinary tract’s health but it can also make it hard to go to work or other public places as usual.

Issues with feeling heat or cold

When you put your hand or another limb on a surface with an extreme temperature, your skin should tell you that it is burning or harming you. If you have a spinal cord injury, you may not get those necessary signals when you need them. This includes not noticing when you are touching a hot stove or getting cold burns from direct contact with ice.

Struggles with breathing clearly

Failing to draw in a full breath or constantly feeling pain when you breathe are both signs of this problem. You may even cough frequently and notice secretions coming from your lungs.

In the time following an injury to an area near your spine, learning more about spinal cord injuries can help you stay safe.