Getting a spinal cord injury can be a scary, life-changing experience. While some people can handle it gracefully and recover, others don’t get better and may sink into a deep depression.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce the risks of spinal cord accidents. Here are some measures you can take to avoid a spinal cord injury:
Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle
Every U.S. state has its own laws regarding motorcycle helmet-wearing. South Carolina residents 20 and younger and all West Virginia residents are required to wear helmets when riding motorcycles.
According to a University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health study, riders who refused to wear helmets had a bigger chance of sustaining cervical spinal fractures than individuals who wore helmets.
Always buckle up in a car
It’s a simple, quick rule that some people forgo because they feel it’s too much to bother with. Even if you’re only going for a 5-minute drive, it’s important to wear a seatbelt because anything can happen during your short commute.
Take care when going down a set of stairs
Hold on to the handrail and walk down stairs carefully to avoid slipping and falling on your back. This is especially crucial if you’re walking down a carpeted flight of stairs and could catch your heel on a loose thread.
Check the depth of a pool before diving
Do not dive into water that’s less than 12 feet deep. Better yet, it’s best not to dive into water if you can’t determine its depth level. Pool accidents are a major cause of spinal injuries every year.
As you see, you can lower your chances of spinal cord injuries by taking a few precautions. Nevertheless, you still can get injured due to someone else’s negligent or iniquitous behavior. If you or someone you know suffers from a spinal cord injury, please seek legal assistance to learn if you qualify for personal injury compensation.