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How to deal with How to Handle a Spinal Cord Injury?

Author: Albert Alice
by Albert Alice
Posted: Feb 01, 2024

The spinal cord (SCI) can be a devastation condition. Being afflicted with an SCI is a life-altering situation that comes with physical and psychological challenges. It's easy to question why a spinal injury can impact the person who suffers in such a profound way, but the reasons are based on science. So, dealing with SCI requires a lot of resilience, flexibility and a positive mindset.

In this complete guide, we will explore the numerous aspects of life after a spinal cord injuries, along with strategies for coping and life expectancy issues and the significance of enduring.

What is an SCI?

A spinal cord injury can be result of a trauma in the cervical cord. The severity of the injury is such that it could cause bruising or tear a small amount or even completely tear off the spinal cord completely.

It causes loss of function and feeling beneath the site of injury. The effects of SCI may cause the loss of mobility, which can affect everyday activities. Dealing with SCI involves managing emotional, physical and social shifts.

Find out further on SCI and the different forms of SCI here.

The moment that follows an injury or trauma to the spine can lead to paralysis. This can be extremely confusing and traumatic. Counsellors are able to assist in helping victims of these injuries to reach a point that they are able to accept the events that have occurred to them, and then work to live a more productive life. Sometimes, the counsellor collaborates with the families of the deceased to ensure a high level of living.

The initial phase following the injury to the spinal cord is referred to as"the acute stage. The patient is urged to share everything that took place. The majority of information is gained about the psychological physical, mental and physiological health of the spinal victim. The patient is assisted to create a list of tasks that he or she is able to perform independently. It is then encouraged to continue working on those projects. In the cases of tasks that need assistance from a professional, the victim is instructed to graciously accept help in the same. Documentation for employment, financial and insurance information is collected as they are all crucial to a spinal cord injured survivor.

Coping Strategies for Living with Spinal Cord Injury

Be sure

Develop a positive attitude. Although it may seem like a lot of work acceptance of the circumstances along with determination to conquer obstacles, is vital to living with SCI. Be focused on what you can achieve instead of thinking about what you can't accomplish. Begin by embracing your family and friends as well as health professionals who support your path, and aid in a positive mental attitude.

Request expert assistance

Rehabilitation is the key to adjusting to the demands of living in the world of SCI. Occupational therapists, occupational therapists along with mental health experts are your essential allies. Our highly trained team of SCI specialists and therapists can offer guidance on the subject of mobility, adaptive technology as well as psychological assistance. Regular sessions will greatly aid in physical rehabilitation and aid you overcome emotional obstacles.

Consider/adopt adaptive technologies

Adaptive technology, like mobility devices, wheelchairs as well as computer interfaces enable people to return to autonomy and improve your daily functioning. Take advantage of these technology and integrate them to make a huge contribution to your experience with SCI.

Physically active

Although SCI could severely restrict mobility physical fitness and health remain vitally important. Activities and exercises that adapt specifically for people who suffer from SCI could contribute to general well-being. At Plexus our expert team of physical therapists will create a customized fitness program that takes the specific requirements of your capabilities.

Get involved in a social network that is supportive

Being isolated from your friends can greatly affect your mental health. Develop and maintain a supportive social network which will stand with you and support you to be a better person. Join community events or support groups, and meet with people who are with similar issues. This can give you the feeling of belonging and lessen feelings of feeling inadequate and loneliness.

Life Expectancy based on Spinal Cord Injury

To fully comprehend the life expectancy for spinal cord injury, one needs to take into consideration a variety of factors like the severity and nature of the injury, health overall, and accessibility to medical care. While life expectancy can be affected, modern medical treatment and rehabilitation methods will significantly improve the outcomes of patients suffering from SCI.

Improvements in medical procedures that include regenerative therapies (for e.g. stem cell therapies) and procedures, medications and preventative treatment can lead to improved quality of life for all. Access to high-quality healthcare and the effective treatment of secondary issues can affect the length of life. Regularly scheduled check-ups, preventive treatment and timely diagnosis of medical problems could help patients who suffer from SCI keep their health in top shape, and lower the risk of developing complications.

Mental health is entwined to physical health, and consequently, the length of life. The emotional turmoil that is associated with SCI is a significant strain on the mental health of those who suffer from SCI and can result in some suffering from anxiety, depression, and other ailments. Getting help from a psychologist and keeping positive attitudes can significantly improve the quality of life.

Plexus' Rehabilitation for Spinal Cord Injury

In Plexus Bangalore in Bangalore and Hyderabad we provide advanced Regenerative rehabilitation programs specifically designed for SCI which can be tailored to meet the individual's symptoms and needs. The main focus of our rehabilitation programs is recovering and regaining the normal life within the context of a work, life and work. To achieve this, dedication to therapy is essential and a positive mindset is continuously developed. Each little accomplishment of the recovering person are celebrated, and even the simplest tasks are commenced with a plan before any more complex task is tackled. There are numerous long-term goals established for the patient following the complete mental and medical evaluation is conducted.

Our program consists of:

  • Training in gait, mobility and gait
  • Balance training
  • Activities to help with everyday living (ADL) training
  • Physical training
  • Relearning tasks
  • Trunk control
  • Training for strength
  • Training for transitional patterns

The role of our team members during Rehabilitation process

The team is inter-disciplinary who are given the responsibility of rehabilitating the person who has survived the spinal cord injury. Every person on the team has a specific responsibility. There are nurses who serve as the primary educator as well as emotional boosters and caregivers. Therapists such as occupational, recreational occupational therapists, and occupational ones teach life skills that aid in restoring function. Physicians can prescribe medication and assessing physical condition. Psychologists are also responsible for helping to facilitate the needed emotional release since this type of injury typically leads to a deep emotional scar.

The process of coping with a spinal cord injury is similar to a multidimensional journey. It demands the physical and emotional rehabilitation as well as support from the social sphere. For the survivor the survivor, there is also determination, strength and the courage to face it. At Plexus we've seen many brave and spirited survivors of SCI who went to lead happy lives.

If you're interested in learning the details about how we can help you with SCI rehab programs please contact our team members at Bangalore or Hyderabad today.

WhatsApp +91 89048 42087

Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)

  • p>FAQsHow can you get over an injury to your spinal cord?
Being able to live with and manage the effects of a spinal cord injury requires rehabilitation, adaptive technology and a positive outlook toward the future. Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and psychological therapy also are crucial in helping the patient accept their injury and then move on in their recovery.

Do you have the ability to lead an ordinary life after sustaining a spinal injury?

Definitely. Living a normal lifestyle with spinal cord injuries is possible. With the advancement of adaptive technology and rehabilitation the person with an SCI doesn't have to hinder the possibility of living a normal existence. Furthermore, through an inclusive community, people with SCI are able to regain their independence and take part in everyday activities.

What are the indicators that indicate your spine injury could be serious?

These are the main symptoms of an SCI

Respiratory problems

Muscle weakness

Feeling loss in legs, arms or the chest

Involuntary movement loss of muscles in the chest, arms or legs

The loss of bladder and/or bowel control and functioning

Sexual function is lost

It is imperative to seek medical attention immediately in the event that any of these signs are present to stop further injury.

Is it possible for a damaged spinal cord to recover?

Regenerative therapies, such as stem cell therapies, give those suffering from SCI a optimism when being a patient with SCI. Stem cell therapy can help repair and/or regenerate damaged neurons that are located in the spinal cord. It can be extremely beneficial in controlling symptoms of SCI which allows patients to lead an enjoyable life.

What is the average life expectancy for the injury to the spinal cord?

The life expectancy following an injury to the spinal cord dependent on a variety of factors, including the degree or severity of injury accessibility to healthcare and overall health, both mental and physical.

Does spinal cord damage last forever?

A majority of SCIs are permanently. However, with prompt rehabilitation, which includes physiotherapy, therapeutic occupational therapies, rehabilitation and assistive technology, people suffering from SCI are able to live a fulfilled life.

About the Author

A highly regarded neurologist and stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq studied neurology and clinical neurophysiology in London before working with some of England’s and the Middle East’s most prestigious medical institutions. He completed his MBBS

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Author: Albert Alice

Albert Alice

Member since: Jul 27, 2021
Published articles: 118

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