How To Recover from a Spinal Cord Injury

If you have a spinal cord injury, which usually results from trauma, you could suffer paralysis, loss of sensation, or motor and sensory issues. There are a range of available treatments, from a brace to surgery. 

Based on the impact of the injury, spinal cord injuries are divided into two categories: complete or incomplete. 

●  Complete: No sensation or ability to control movement below the injury

●  Incomplete: Some sensation and controlled movement below the injury 

The higher on the spinal cord an injury is, the higher the risk of paralysis affecting the limbs and even the entire body. A lower injury can cause paralysis affecting only the lower body and legs.

Depending on the completeness, a spinal cord injury could result in:

●  Temporary or permanent change in movement (legs, arms or the entire body)

●  Numbness or loss of the ability to feel touch, cold or heat

●  Loss of bowel or bladder control and sexual function

●  Difficulty regulating blood pressure, heart rate and breathing

●  Intense pain or tingling caused by the damage to the nerves in the spinal cord

●  Increased risk of blood clots and pneumonia 

Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries

Depending on the severity and location of the spinal cord injury, treatment can range from realignment to surgical intervention. Surgery is considered only in cases where compression of the spinal cord is likely.

When a spinal cord injury occurs, clinicians take the following steps:

●  A collar or brace is fitted around the neck and the person is placed on a backboard at the accident scene.

●  Blood pressure and respiration are stabilized to help the patient breathe normally and keep blood pressure between normal ranges.

●  Surgery is done to remove bony fragments, disks or any objects that might be compressing the spinal cord.

●  The vertebral column is stabilized or reconstructed with implants (screws or rods).

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After initial treatment, rehabilitation helps with redeveloping motor skills and adjusting to any lingering or permanent dysfunction:

●  Physical therapy strengthens muscles so you can better support yourself. Sports and other physical activities may be incorporated to redevelop mobility skills.

●  Occupational therapy redevelops fine motor skills and helps with managing daily activities such as using the toilet, eating, grooming and getting in and out of bed.

●  Other therapies enhance communication skills and mobility, such as typing, writing and using a phone.

If a spinal cord injury results in disability, often family members will provide needed support. Educational classes, support groups and skill-building groups also are available.

Having a spinal cord injury changes some things forever, but it does not mean that everything is lost. Many people with spinal cord injuries lead full and rewarding lives.