Those with Spinal Injuries May be Prone to Pressure Sores

While there are many people who have suffered spinal cord injuriesand have gone on to a full recovery, there are also many who must live the rest of their lives with decreased mobility due to their injuries like a herniated disc. In one doctor’s many years of experience dealing with these types of injuries, we have learned that people who have suffered from spinal cord injuries must take care to prevent pressure sores.

Although pressure sores have many names associated with them, once you have one it can take months to heal if not properly cared for. The investigator knows that pressure sores are caused by the loss of blood flow to an area of the skin that results in the skin or underlying tissue dying. This is often caused when pressure is applied to the skin area as you rest, especially if the area is somewhat bony. This is a problem with anyone who must lie or sit for extended periods, and especially when there is a loss of feeling in an area. Hospitals and doctors in Nassau and Suffolk Counties try to be sensitive to this problem and act accordingly.

It is recommended that if you have a spinal cord injury either you or your caregiver should check for a red area on your skin, as this is usually a sign that a pressure sore is beginning. If the redness dissipates after about 30 minutes after releasing the pressure it should be ok, but if the redness persists then a there is a strong likelihood that a pressure sore is forming. For those with dark skin, there will likely be a change in skin color, which may become develop into dry, flaky, and even a little lighter in color than normal.

There are so many potential problems those with spinal injuries and other disabilities must deal with daily. Although anyone can get a pressure sore, those who are immobile as in confined to either a sitting or laying position much of the time are at much greater risk. Those who have a spinal cord injury are up to 80 percent more likely to have at least one pressure sore, while about 30 percent are estimated to have more than one.

If you or someone you know has suffered a spinal cord injury, you may want to contact a New York Spinal Injury Attorney who will be happy to discuss your case with you.