Articles Posted in Spinal Cord Injuries

According to the National Ag Safety Database, farm machinery is a major contributor to agricultural accidents that lead to spinal cord injury each year. Studies show that tractor overturns, falls, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries on farms. In agriculture, spinal cord injuries are among the most serious personal injuries that occur. Many of these injuries lead to paralysis and even death.

Tractors pose a key hazard on farms. Defective tractors or improper use can result in rollovers or accidents in which the operator is thrown from the machine. Spinal cord injuries can occur if someone becomes trapped under a tractor as well. In addition to tractors, simple farm work such as farm maintenance or chores can result in falls that can lead to spinal injury. Research has proven that falls from as little as three feet can result in injury to the spinal cord.

Agricultural workers are using all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) on farms more often today and these vehicles are still another source of spinal injury and brain injury in the farming industry. Riding ATVs at high speeds, using ATVs on very rough terrain and not adequately protecting the operator are all common causes of ATV accidents.

For farmers, spinal cord injuries cause serious problems. The medical costs of spinal injuries often exceed what farmers can pay. The recovery period for these injuries tends to be lengthy and in most cases, farm chores and tasks must be left undone during the recovery period, which can affect profits for many months to come. In cases of spinal cord injury, agricultural workers must either hire additional workers at their own expense or must relinquish some of their income by not planting crops or completing other farm tasks.

According to the National Ag Safety Database, there are several things that agricultural workers can do to reduce the possibility of spinal injuries:

*When on ATVs or tractors, always use the provided seat belts and roll bars.
*Never overcrowd farm vehicles
*Always start tractors and other farm vehicles from the seat, not from the ground.
*Use ATVs only on known terrain and at reasonable speeds. When operating ATVs, avoid hills and other unsafe areas and always wear protective clothing (including a helmet).
*Stay alert when working and avoid work when excessively tired. Use caged ladders and always only use ladders on an even surface. Wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when doing any sort of agricultural work.
*Enroll in a tractor safety certification course.

Continue reading →

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) approximately 200,000 Americans have a disability associated with a spinal cord injury. According to the Center for Disease Control, about 11 000 people in the United States sustain a spinal cord injury yearly. Spinal cord injuries range from injuries that cause discomfort to spinal cord trauma that result in partial or full paralysis.

For people under 65 years of age, the leading cause of spinal cord injury is automobile accidents. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), people who are 65 years of age or older are most likely to sustain spinal injury from slip and fall accidents. Studies reported by NCIPC indicate that 18% of spinal cord injuries are caused by recreational or sports activities.

Whatever the causes of spinal cord injuries, these injuries can create permanent disability and even paralysis. Patients who sustain this sort of injury may require expensive medical treatment and lengthy rehabilitation. Spinal cord injuries may affect a patient’s lifestyle and ability to return to work. In addition, this sort of injury can result in emotional upset, withdrawal, and depression, especially in early stages when the patient is still getting used to the injury. NCIPC also reports that this sort of injury results in secondary negative health outcomes. Specifically, people with SCIs may suffer from urinary tract infections, pressure sores, spasticity, respiratory complications, and scoliosis as a result of their injury.