Spinal cord compression is caused by any condition that puts pressure on your spinal cord. It can occur anywhere from your neck down to your lower back. Without prompt treatment can lead to permanent damage and even paralysis.
If you believe health professionals failed to diagnose and treat your spinal cord compression before irreparable damage occurred, then you may be able to claim compensation.
Our team of specialist spinal cord injury solicitors at Aspire Law can help you through the process.
Causes of spinal cord compression
Spinal compression can result from a number of different conditions. These include:
- Spinal injury
- Spinal stenosis
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Slipped disc
- Abnormal spine alignment (sciatica)
- Spinal tumour
- Spinal abscess
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
When compression on the spinal cord is not picked up or diagnosed in time, it can lead to gradual neurological deficits.
Symptoms of spinal cord compression
The symptoms of spinal cord compression can develop suddenly or slowly, depending on the cause. An injury to the spine, e.g. from a fall, l will often lead to immediate symptoms while something like arthritis might take years to present symptoms. Symptoms from other conditions may develop over a few days or weeks.
Typical symptoms may include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, back, or lower back
- Burning pain that spreads to the arms, buttocks, or down into the legs (sciatica)
- Numbness, cramping, or weakness in the arms, hands, or legs
- Loss of sensation in the feet
- Trouble with hand coordination
- “Foot drop,” weakness in a foot that causes a limp
- Loss of sexual ability
Spinal cord compression compensation
If you believe there was a delay in identifying your spinal compression or a delay in undertaking essential surgery which has resulted in a paralysis, then you should contact us to see if you have a potential claim.
Living with the repercussions of a spinal compression injury usually requires considerable lifestyle changes and support. Rehabilitation and other life adaptations are vital to help you manage and improve your physical and emotional wellbeing.
At Aspire Law we specialise solely in spinal cord injury claims and have an extensive medical negligence department that includes people who have dual qualification and are medically trained. We’ve represented many clients who developed spinal cord compression injuries which were not identified and treated quickly enough resulting in permanent and life-changing damage.
Talk with our solicitors
To discover more about making a spinal cord injury compensation claim, call us today on 0800 030 20 40 or contact us online and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.