Walk back to life after a Spinal Cord Injury

 

A Spinal Cord Injury is a life altering event which could result in total or partial paralysis. It makes the injured individual dependent on caregivers for the simplest of tasks like having a meal, taking a walk, changing clothes, and even relieving oneself. Due to such debilitating physiological adversities, the patient is prone to acute psychological issues too. Unfortunately, such injuries are common — on an average, 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide suffer Spinal Cord Injuries every year. 

However, as they say, the night is darkest before the dawn, and so is the case with such injuries. The treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries, and in some cases, recovery, is now a possibility due to path breaking advances in medical sciences. Before we explore the ways in which such an injury can be treated and managed, let us understand what a Spinal Cord Injury is.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?    

Let us clear a misconception first. It is usually assumed that the Spinal Cord is a long bone that starts from the neck and extends till the lower back. The reality is though,  that the Spinal Cord is a column of nerves that is covered by myelin — a protective layer. These nerves are further shielded by 31 butterfly-shaped, interlocked bones called the vertebrae. 

The most important function of the Spinal Cord is to act as a communication wire between the brain and the rest of the body. Any damage will result in severe malfunction in one or multiple parts of the body. Based on the severity of the injury, it can be categorized into:

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

This results in complete loss of body movement with no sensation or motor functions below the site of the injury. 

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

In this case, the individual is able to experience some sensation and perform motor functions below the site of the injury. Patients are typically able to move one arm or leg with an improved recovery rate. With advancements in treatment, around 60% of injuries are now categorized as incomplete. 

Life after a Spinal Cord Injury 

As mentioned earlier, with early intervention and the right therapies, treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries is possible. The adverse effects can be halted, managed, and in some cases reversed too by Stem Cell Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy. 

The question here is: will the injured individual resume daily activities after recovering from a Spinal Cord Injury? The answer is yes, but with adaptations to their lifestyle. Let’s list them out.

Continuing therapy 

This doesn't apply only to those who have endured severe injuries. People with incomplete injuries and even the ones who have recovered to a great extent should not call off their rehabilitation. Apart from taking control of the physical issues like bladder and bowel control, at rehab, the person gets familiar with assistive devices like crutches, wheelchairs and other orthotic devices. 

One step at a time: Give injuries time to heal

Well, a Spinal Cord Injury can happen within seconds. However, the healing process takes months, in some cases years. On one hand, it is understandable that a person who suddenly loses motor functions would want to get back on his/her feet soon. However, rushing on the road to recovery might lead to further damage. So, give your injuries the time they need to heal. 

Exercising with a strict routine

Workout should be continued, on a daily basis, without fail. With regular exercise, the person can regain his/her lost motor functions considerably in the minimum possible time. Apart from keeping weight in check, , exercise instills a sense of purpose as well as boosts confidence. Before starting a workout, it is better to ask the doctor which exercises suit the patient. 

 

Maintain a healthy diet

Apart from therapies and medication, a nutritious diet is the cornerstone of any rehabilitation plan. The patient’s diet should contain a lot of greens, but it is advisable to consult a doctor before chalking out a nutrition chart.

Dealing with psychological issues

A person is bound to undergo psychological trauma after losing the ability to move freely. However, maintaining a stable mind is essential to handling physiological issues. A well-trained therapist can be of great help here. There are also certain other steps the patient can take to manage their mental well-being:

Thinking positive and being patient 

Recovering from a Spinal Cord Injury is not impossible but it is time consuming. In that period, it is imperative that the afflicted person gathers the strength to tackle the challenge and approaches the journey to recovery with a positive mindset.

Stay busy

Once the patient has regained some mobility and sensation, it is advised not to sit idle. If the patient used to work before the injury, that can be resumed from home. Same applies to students too as they can restart education from the comfort of their homes. . If working is not an option, taking walks, indulging with family and friends, participating in social events should be encouraged.