Spinal cord injury not only causes paralysis or loss of sensation in the body below the level of the damage but also impacts the ability to move, feel touch or temperature, control bowel or bladder function, and more. Sustaining a spinal cord injury is traumatic for anyone at any age.
Understanding your injury
As we mentioned in the last article, most cases can be divided into two types: complete and incomplete. Meanwhile, four spinal cord sections impact the level of spinal cord injuries, including cervical, lumbar and sacral. Understanding the wound can help you deal with various challenges and seek professional support.
Medical care
After spinal cord injury, individuals may need ongoing medical care to manage the physical effects of their injury and prevent complications. This medical care may include physical therapy, medications, assistive devices, and wheelchairs.
Mental health
A new study shows adults with spinal cord injuries have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions. It is common for people with SCI to experience depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. So, it is vital to seek support from mental health professionals and loved ones to manage the challenges.
Rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury
When your condition is stable, you will likely begin rehabilitation to help you regain function and independence. Depending on medical conditions and needs, it can be in a hospital, a rehabilitation centre or home. The rehabilitation methods include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other therapies to help you improve your mobility, strength and overall health. BTW, we offer NeuroMoves, a specialised exercise therapy that can help people with spinal cord injuries maximise their mobility, functions and independence.
Adapting to life with a spinal cord injury
Adapting to life with an SCI involves many things and significant changes to your daily routine and living arrangements. So, some professional suggestions and support may help you go through the transition more smoothly, such as rehabilitation professionals, our resource hub, and the Peer Support team.
The five sections above only cover some aspects of what we expect after a spinal cord injury. So, we built up a factsheet that will bring you more knowledge about the topic.
