The lumbar spine is the lower part of the spinal column. Comprised of five vertebrae, this area of the back affects the muscles in the legs, hips, groin, and lower abdomen. As such, the lumbar spine plays a key role in several vital motor functions.
Lumbar injuries are not life-threatening, but they can significantly affect your life. Depending on the severity of the injury, damage to the lumbar region could leave you unable to walk or control bladder and bowel movements. Spinal cord injuries often necessitate extensive medical care, adding to the long list of burdens injured victims must shoulder.
If you suffer from a lumbar spinal cord injury from an accident caused by someone’s negligence, a qualified DC lawyer may be able to assist you in seeking compensation from the liable party.
The lumbar spine is located directly below the thoracic region. Each section of the lumbar spinal column protects a part of the spinal cord that controls a different part of the lower body, including the groin, thighs, and calves. This section of the spinal cord carries much of the weight of the spine.
The five vertebrae of the lumbar spine are labeled L1–L5 and are responsible for different parts of the body. The muscle movements affected by each lumbar section are as follows:
When someone suffers an injury in their lumbar area, paralysis may begin in the hips or legs and extend downward. This may leave injured victims unable to walk or only able to walk with a brace. Depending on the severity of paralysis, they may also experience loss of bladder and bowel control.
A variety of incidents can result in a lumbar spinal cord injury in DC. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common, but there are several other ways that the lumbar spine can be damaged, ranging from traumatic accidents to conditions associated with old age. Other common causes of lumbar injuries include:
The treatment and rehabilitation for lumbar spinal cord injuries can take up to several months. In the most severe cases, injuries can have lifelong effects and require ongoing physical therapy.
Receiving treatment as soon as possible is critical in any spinal cord injury, and the lumbar is no exception. Too much time passing without treatment may dramatically increase the severity of the damage. Lumbar injuries can be difficult to diagnose, but one should contact a medical professional right away if they experience any tingling, numbness, or weakened muscles in the legs after a fall or surgery.
Fortunately, most people fully recover from their lumbar injuries. Even those who suffer from lasting effects can often regain full independence and control over their lives with the help of specialized medical devices. Financial compensation can help those injured to get the medical attention they need and move forward in their recovery process.
If you suffered a lumbar spinal cord injury from an accident in the Washington DC area, you may want to contact a local attorney as soon as possible. Having a dedicated legal team behind you when seeking financial recovery can help you feel supported through this difficult time.
