In the time after an accident, you may start to wonder if you are suffering from an issue that you did not recognize right away.

Untreated spinal cord injuries can become worse over time, and knowing the signs of a serious problem can help you figure out what steps to take next.

Sudden increase in lung pain

According to the Mayo Clinic, a stinging sensation in your lungs or trouble with breathing in deeply can leave you struggling to concentrate on daily life. You may even notice an increase in coughing and odd fluids or secretions in your mouth or lungs as time goes on.

This pain can also affect how you turn your neck or how you can sit, which can affect your lungs as well.

Bowel trouble

Being unable to urinate without pain or control your bowels can leave you feeling frustrated. If you frequently struggle to completely empty your bladder or bowels when you use the bathroom, then it may be a sign of spinal cord trauma.

You may not be able to sense when you need to urinate or defecate in the time after this trauma. An increase in kidney stones can also happen if your bladder is partially full but you cannot sense it.

Change in sensations

Spinal cord injuries can make your body less sensitive to hot and cold surfaces, like the top of a stove or freezing ice. You may not notice the sensations you normally would if you touched these surfaces. In extreme cases, you may lose all sensation or sense of touch in your hands or feet.

Noticing these warning signs of a spinal cord injury is important for anyone who suspects they need medical help.