--- title: How to Prevent Pressure Sores After a Spinal Cord Injury description: Pressure sores or bed sores are a common injury for people with spinal cord injuries. Learn how to prevent pressure injuries and treatment options. image: https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Pressure-Sores-Featured-Image.png --- [![spinalcord logo desktop](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ![spinalcord logo mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-white_png.png) ](https://www.spinalcord.com/) MENU ** ![spinal cord logo slide out mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ** [![Dale Swope](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dale-img-min.jpg?width=100&name=dale-img-min.jpg) The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com ** Play Dale Swope's Story ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) ![Spinalcord Logo](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-logo-icon-svg.svg) - [About](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/our-team) - [Trusted By](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by) - 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Pressure sores commonly affect people with SCI due to paralysis and sensory loss. Severe pressure sores can cause long-term damage, autonomic dysreflexia, and sepsis, which can be fatal. On this page - [What Are Pressure Sores?](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#what-are-pressure-sores) - [When Are You at Most Risk of Pressure Sores?](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#when-are-you-most-likely-to-get-pressure-sores) - [During Your Hospital Stay](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#during-your-hospital-stay) - [During Your First Year After SCI](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#during-your-first-year-after-sci) - [After Having a Previous Pressure Sore](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#after-having-a-previous-pressure-sore) - [Where Are Pressure Sores Most Likely to Happen?](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#where-are-pressure-sores-most-likely-to-happen) - [Why Are Pressure Sores Dangerous?](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#why-are-pressure-sores-dangerous) - [Autonomic Dysreflexia](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#autonomic-dysreflexia) - [Infection and Sepsis](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#infection-and-sepsis) - [Delayed Recovery and Rehabilitation](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#delayed-recovery-and-rehabilitation) - [How Can You Prevent Pressure Sores?](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#how-can-you-prevent-pressure-sores) - [What Should You Do if You Have a Pressure Sore?](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#what-should-you-do-if-you-have-a-pressure-sore) - [Download the Infographic to Print or Share](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#download-the-infographic-to-print-or-share-online) - [References](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#references) ![Pressure Sores Infographic](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Pressure%20Sores%20-%20Full.svg) Download the Infographic Download a printable PDF version of the SCI Wheelchair Usage Statistics Infographic or a PNG image to share online. [Download PDF](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Pressure%20Sores%20-%20Full.pdf) [Download PNG](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Pressure%20Sores%20-%20Full.png) ## What are Pressure Sores? ![Doctor inspects a pressure sore on a patient's back. Illustration.](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Pressure%20Sores%20Article%202.svg) [Pressure sores](https://www.spinalcord.com/pressure-sores-after-sci), also known as pressure ulcers, bedsores, or skin breakdowns, are injuries that occur when soft tissues are compressed between hard surfaces for a long time. The pressure reduces blood flow to these tissues, depriving the cells of necessary oxygen and nutrients resulting in tissue damage. Pressure sores can cause pain, infection, sepsis, [autonomic dysreflexia (AD)](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/recognizing-signs-of-autonomic-dysreflexia-in-spinal-cord-injury), and [spasticity](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/understanding-spasticity-after-a-spinal-cord-injury). Complications caused by severe pressure sores can be fatal, so it's important to prevent pressure sores and treat them as soon as possible if they do occur. Pressure sores are a common [secondary complication](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/preventing-secondary-complications-of-sci) of spinal cord injury due to paralysis, sensory loss, low blood pressure, and other risk factors associated with SCI. 1-3 Million pressure injuries occur each year in the united states. ## When Are You at Most Risk of Pressure Sores? ![Patient in hospital bed talking to doctor. Illustration.](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Pressure%20Sores%20Article%201.svg) ### During Your Hospital Stay You are more likely to get pressure sores during your acute hospitalization after SCI. This is because you may spend a lot of time in bed, which can apply constant pressure on certain areas of your body. Studies estimate that 20%-50% of people with a new SCI develop at least one pressure sore during their hospital stay. The risk is 4.5 times higher for people with complete SCI (no sensation or movement below the injury level) than those with incomplete SCI. ### During Your First Year After SCI Your risk of getting pressure sores remains high during your first year after SCI, while you're [adjusting to your new lifestyle](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/adjusting-to-life-after-a-spinal-cord-injury-or-traumatic-brain-injury) and routines. You may also face challenges such as finding accessible housing, transportation, and equipment. About 41% of people with SCI experience a pressure sore during their first year after SCI. The risk is higher for people who are older, have higher injury levels, or have other medical conditions that affect mobility or circulation. ### After Having a Previous Pressure Sore If you have had a pressure sore before, you are more likely to get another one in the same area or somewhere else on your body. This is because the previous sore may have weakened your skin and tissues, making them more vulnerable to damage. You may also have habits or behaviors that increase your risk, such as not changing your position often enough or not checking your skin regularly. According to some studies, 36%-50% of people with SCI who have had a pressure sore develop another one in the same area. The risk is higher for people who have larger or deeper sores, or who do not follow proper treatment and prevention guidelines. ## Where are Pressure Sores Most Likely to Happen? Pressure sores are most likely to develop on bony prominences (parts of the body that have less padding from muscle or fat and that lie over a bone). The most common locations are parts of the body that are under pressure while sitting or lying down, typically in bed or in a wheelchair. ![Illustration of person lying down. Common pressure sore locations are labeled. The most common locations are the inner knees, feet, heels, lower back, buttocks, hips, and thighs. Less common locations are the back of the head, ears, shoulders, and elbows. Sores may develop in these locations during long-term bed rest.](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Pressure%20Sores%20Article%203.svg) The most common locations where pressure sores develop: - Tailbone or buttocks (sacrum and ischium) - Hips (trochanter) - Lower back - Heels, feet, and ankles - Back of the thighs - Pelvic floor (perineum) During long-term bed rest, pressure sores may occur on the: - Backs of the arms and legs (elbows and knees) - Back or sides of the head (occiput and ears) - Shoulder blades (scapulae) ## Why are Pressure Sores Dangerous? Pressure sores can cause serious complications that are potentially fatal including autonomic dysreflexia and sepsis. ### Autonomic Dysreflexia Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) occurs when something below the injury level stimulates your nervous system. AD causes a sudden increase in blood pressure and heart rate. This can lead to headaches, sweating, flushing, nausea, blurred vision, and even stroke. The pain or infection from a pressure sore can trigger AD in people with SCI at or above T6. If you have AD symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away. ### Infection and Sepsis Infection is when bacteria or other germs enter your body through a wound or sore and cause inflammation and pus. Sepsis is when an infection spreads throughout your bloodstream and causes organ failure and shock. Pressure sores can become infected if they are not cleaned and treated properly. Infection can make your sore worse and harder to heal. It can also spread to other parts of your body through your blood vessels or bones. This can cause serious problems such as osteomyelitis (bone infection), cellulitis (skin infection), abscesses (pockets of pus), gangrene (tissue death), amputation (removal of a limb), sepsis, and death. ### Delayed Recovery and Rehabilitation Pressure sores can delay your [recovery and rehabilitation](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/what-to-expect-during-spinal-cord-injury-rehabilitation) after SCI because they may: - Cause pain and discomfort that interferes with your daily activities - Require frequent dressing changes and wound care that take time and resources - Limit your mobility and exercise options that help you regain strength and function - Increase your hospital stays and medical costs - Reduce your social participation and quality of life ## How Can You Prevent Pressure Sores? The best way to [prevent pressure sores](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/tips-on-combating-pressure-sores-after-a-spinal-injury) is to avoid prolonged pressure on any part of your body. You can do this by: - Changing your position frequently: If you use a wheelchair, shift your weight every 15 minutes; if you stay in bed, turn every two hours - Using proper equipment: Use a [cushion for your wheelchair seat](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/upgrade-wheelchair-attachments); use a mattress overlay or air mattress for your bed; use pillows or foam wedges to protect bony areas - Checking your skin daily: Look for any signs of redness, swelling, warmth, blisters, cracks, or bruises; use a mirror or ask someone else to help you check hard-to-see areas - Keeping your skin clean and dry: Wash your skin with mild soap and water; pat it dry gently; avoid rubbing or scratching; use moisturizer if needed; avoid talcum powder or alcohol-based products - Eating well and staying hydrated: Eat a [balanced diet](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/you-are-what-you-eat-nutrition-after-a-spinal-cord-injury) that includes protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluids; avoid smoking and alcohol; consult a dietitian if needed - Managing other health conditions: Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes; treat any infections promptly; take care of any wounds properly; follow up with your health care team regularly ## What Should You Do if You Have a Pressure Sore? If you notice any signs of a pressure sore on your skin, you should: - Relieve the pressure on the area immediately: Change your position; use padding or dressings; avoid friction or shear - Clean the wound carefully: Rinse it with saline solution or water; remove any dead tissue; apply an appropriate dressing; avoid hydrogen peroxide or iodine - Seek medical attention as soon as possible: Contact your doctor or nurse; get an assessment of the size, depth, stage, and infection status of your sore; follow their treatment plan; monitor your progress - Prevent further damage: Continue to change your position frequently; use proper equipment; check your skin daily; keep it clean and dry; eat well and stay hydrated; manage other health conditions ## Download the Infographic to Print or Share Download the infographic [to print (PDF)](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Pressure%20Sores%20-%20Full.pdf) or [to share online (PNG)](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Pressure%20Sores%20-%20Full.png). ## References SpinalCord.com. [Pressure Sores After a Spinal Cord Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/pressure-sores-after-sci), [6 Tips to Combat Pressure Sores After a Spinal Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/tips-on-combating-pressure-sores-after-a-spinal-injury). Vecin, Nicole M., and David R. Gater. [Pressure Injuries and Management after Spinal Cord Injury](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9325194/). *Journal of Personalized Medicine*, vol. 12, no. 7, 2022, p. 1130. Kruger, Erwin A., et al. [Comprehensive Management of Pressure Ulcers in Spinal Cord Injury: Current Concepts and Future Trends](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24090179/). *The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine*, vol. 36, no. 6, 2013, pp. 572--585. **Topics:** Infographic ### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries About the Author #### Spinal Cord Team The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. [Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) **Leave a Comment** [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a) true ### Spinal Cord Injury - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Brain Injury - [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Finding Treatment - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) ### Legal Options - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) #### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. 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The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/pressure-sore-prevention-after-a-spinal-cord-injury#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : "required name=search_query", "target" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/search?q={search_query}" }, "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-877-336-7192" } ], "legalName" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "logo" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom", "https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com" ], "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

\n\n

What Is a Spinal Contusion?

\n\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\"\n

Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

\n

For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

\n

A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

\n

Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For

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Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

\n

Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

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Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

\n

Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

\n

If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Spinalcord.com Team" }, "datePublished" : "2020-12-03", "image" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name" : "Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion" } ``` ```json { "@context":"https://schema.org", "@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Spinal Cord Inc", "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.", "inLanguage":"en-US"}, { "@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"Spinalcord Logo", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "width":327,"height":300, "caption":"spinal contusion"}, { "@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#webpage", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website"}, "primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#primaryimage"}, "datePublished":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00","dateModified":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00", "author":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors"}, "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals. What Is a Spinal Contusion? Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks. For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities. A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way. Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician. Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma: Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks Loss of bladder or bowel function Difficulty breathing Muscle spasticity Difficulty understanding speech Problems with attention Memory challenges Heart rate and blood pressure problems Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI. Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment. If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb"}, "inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"]}]}, { "@type":"BreadcrumbList", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem", "position":1, "item": { "@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/", "name":"Home"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":2, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "name":"Articles"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":3, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion"}}]}, {"@type":"Person", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors", "name":"Spinalcord Team", "image":{"@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "caption":"Spinalcord Team"}, "description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ." } ]} ```