The spine is an incredibly intricate part of the skeletal system, making it particularly vulnerable to damage when you experience an injury. To compound the matter, many people in New Jersey have an even higher risk of suffering spinal problems due to medical predispositions.
The long road to recovery
A significant part of the challenge with taking care of your spine after a slip and fall is that it’s not just the initial injury you have to worry about. There’s also the progression of adverse effects that come in the aftermath. The recovery process after a spinal injury can easily lead to psychological issues like depression.
If you’ve been injured, watch out for the warning signs. Key symptoms include lack of mobility and back pain that comes on suddenly. It’s a particular concern if that pain recedes while you are lying down.
If you notice yourself getting shorter over time or if you develop a disability or deformity, these both may be long-term symptoms of a spinal injury. Disc herniations are also common in people left with permanent damage.
Spinal care after a slip and fall is often challenging because of the lengthy recovery process and how it impacts every other part of your life. There might be some symptoms that endure for the rest of your life, but it’s still possible to take care of your body. With the right care, you may be able to minimize the pain and prevent further damage from occurring.
Be careful not to make it worse
The most important thing to do is seek treatment, but it’s also vital to know your physical limits and exercise caution. Once you’ve injured yourself one time, you’re already at a higher risk of having it happen to you again.
Surgery is needed to treat a herniated disc. But before it comes to that, you may be able to manage the spinal injury with care from a chiropractor or physical therapist. Other options include medication, steroid injections, and therapeutic ultrasounds.