4 Myths About Spinal Cord Injuries

When a foundational bodily structure like your spinal cord is compromised, you’re forced to change how you live to accommodate your new limitations and needs. You’ll likely spend a lot of time learning how to adapt to your condition. However, many who suffer from spinal cord injuries, as well as the people who care for them, still have misconceptions about they are experiencing. Numerous spinal cord injury myths exist, and they can cause undue stress and negatively affect how you approach your injury. 

When you face living with a spinal cord injury, you must stay informed. If your spinal cord injury resulted from negligence, it may also be advantageous to hire a lawyer who can represent you in the fight for compensation and protect your legal options. Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. can help you receive fair compensation for your injuries and connect you with the resources and care you need to recover. 

4 Myths People Mistakenly Believe About Spinal Cord Injuries

Many people rely on the internet, friends, and family for information about their health. Though these resources can sometimes be helpful, they could also lead to misinformation. Knowing the truth about how spinal cord injuries can affect you is vital to working towards effective recovery. 

Myth #1: Everyone with a Spinal Cord Injury Experiences Total Paralysis

This is not true. Everyone’s experience with their spinal cord injury is unique to them. Complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries are possible, so not everyone who suffers from a spinal cord injury will experience total paralysis. 

Victims of a complete injury are completely paralyzed below the part of the spinal cord that was injured, but those with an incomplete injury can still move and feel. The nature of an incomplete spinal cord injury depends on the injury location and extent of damage. Also, a patient’s ability to regain movement through rehabilitation will vary from person to person.

Myth #2: Sports Injuries Account for the Majority of Spinal Cord Injuries

Traffic accidents, falls, and violence are the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. Injuries sustained while participating in sports account for a sizable fraction of traumatic spinal cord injuries. However, they are far from being the majority.

Possibly because of discussions and portrayals in the media, many people have subscribed to the belief that most spinal cord injuries result from sports injuries. Many athletes and sports enthusiasts do suffer from spinal cord injuries, but so do non-athletes.

Myth #3: Your Age Determines How Well You Recover From a Spinal Cord Injury

Any person with a spine injury needs therapy, treatment, and a recovery process, regardless of age. The extent of your treatment and recovery time will depend on the severity of your accident and the injuries it caused. Also, other variables like a person’s support system and life experiences can play a role in their recovery, too.

Many people incorrectly believe that your capacity for recovery is solely based on your age, and a younger patient will have an easier time rehabilitating. Our muscles, bones, and state of health may alter as we age, but just because someone is younger doesn’t necessarily mean their recovery will be easier. 

Myth #4: Rehab and Treatment for a Spinal Cord Injury Ends When You Leave the Hospital

It is untrue that after you leave the hospital, your rehabilitation and treatment for your spinal cord injury are over. While in the hospital, therapists and medical professionals evaluate the injury, develop a treatment plan, and establish goals for your health. The treatments and goals they recommend will likely factor in time after you’ve been released from a hospital or rehabilitation facility.

For people with spinal cord injuries, the healing process does not end with their hospital stay. Inpatient therapy is not over. After leaving the hospital, you will often still need time off work, physical rehabilitation, chiropractic treatment, and follow-ups with your doctor to ensure the healing process is going well.

Recover Compensation for Your Spinal Cord Injury With Help From an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries can be extremely traumatic. Recovery may take a very long time, and treatment can be expensive. Fortunately, pursuing compensation for your injury may provide you with relief. If another party’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Attorney Eric J. Ratinoff, who has almost 30 years of experience representing survivors of spinal cord injuries, provides excellent legal counsel. 

Attorney Eric Ratinoff has a unique understanding of complicated medical conditions like spinal cord injuries. He has a network of excellent medical specialists that support his clients and their cases. He and his team are committed to pursuing maximum compensation for the people they represent. Call (916) 970-9100 or use our contact form to schedule your initial consultation.