How Would a Spinal Cord Injury Affect Your Life?

Most people never think about the long-term effects of a spinal cord injury until it happens either to themselves or their loved ones. Over a quarter of a million Americans are currently living with a spinal cord injury, and more than 10,000 new cases happen every year. And this is just a fraction of the global figures. So if you are now dealing with the effects of an SCI, you are far from alone. 

Let’s take a closer look at spinal cord injuries. We will explain why symptoms can vary so much from person to person. Then we will identify some of the more common effects. Finally, we will look at some of the treatments you may benefit from to maximize your outcome and independence. 

What Accounts for the Wide Range in SCI Severity? 

Following an SCI, patient symptoms range from paresis (weakness) in parts of the body to quadriplegia (paralysis in all four limbs). Why are the effects so severe for some but not for others? There are two main factors:

• Severity of the damage – Spinal cord injuries are either complete or incomplete. A complete injury means that the spinal cord is fully severed or compressed. This is the type of injury that causes paralysis. An incomplete injury involves partial compression or that the cord is not entirely severed. As a result, the prognosis is much better, especially once the swelling is down and you can begin your recovery. 
• Location of the injury – The higher the injury location on the spine, the more extensive the impact on the nerves. Complete injuries in the neck result in quadriplegia, while complete injuries that are lower on the spine cause paraplegia. The paralysis generally occurs from the site of the damage and below. 

With this in mind, we will take a look at the common symptoms of an SCI, while recognizing that your symptoms relate to the location and severity of the specific injury you are living with. 

Physical Changes Resulting from a Spinal Cord Injury 

Many physical changes can take place in the body after surviving an SCI. We will begin with the most well-known and severe symptoms and then consider some of the other common problems you may have to deal with.

• Paralysis – Again, when a complete injury occurs, paralysis from the damage and downward site is the most common and well-known symptom. While the paralysis is often considered permanent due to the complete injury, many modern therapies can provide assistance.
• Bladder and bowel control issues – Paralysis can also affect the muscles that control the bladder and bowel. Additionally, loss of sensation can make it impossible to know when you need to use the bathroom. 
• Sexual dysfunction – Due to a lack of sensation or problems with function, you may also find that your libido decreases. Fertility can also be a problem. 
• Pain and phantom pain – You may experience pain at the location of the injury. Below the injury, phantom pain may occur in paralyzed regions of the body. 
• Various sensations – Tingling, numbness, pins and needles, and other changes in body sensations result from the injury.
• Breathing issues – If paralysis occurs higher on the body, breathing issues may result. Even if you can breathe normally during the day, you may find that you need help with sleep apnea at night. 
• Bedsores – This is an indirect result of paralysis. Sores develop because of a lack of movement. There are new developments in beds and mattresses to try and prevent this from occurring. 

The Mental Health Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury 

When we experience life-changing effects on the body, there is also going to be an impact on mental health. Depression and anxiety are common in the wake of a spinal cord injury. It is natural to grieve the loss and other emotions you are now living through. However, if you ever experience any thoughts of suicide, please contact a mental health hotline immediately or speak with a loved one to get the help you need. Life is still worth living, and you can go beyond merely surviving and thrive despite paralysis. Here is some advice from one of the best spinal cord injury rehabilitation centers in Florida.

An eBook from One of the Best Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centers in Florida 

Recovery after a spinal cord injury can be a long journey, but finding the best possible rehab center will give you access to therapies like Lokomat and functional electrical stimulation to go along with physical and occupational therapy. The best spinal cord injury rehabilitation centers in Florida will offer you a blend of modern and traditional treatments. 

Even with the help of modern technology, recovery to reach your optimal outcome and retain maximum independence can take years. That is why you need the right mental preparation. While some of your best improvements will occur in the early months, with perseverance, you may be able to go even further. It is all about keeping your motivation up when progress seems to be slow, perhaps even a year or more into recovery. That is why iAM ABLE is proud to offer the book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to Thrive after Paralysis. This eBook will help prepare you for the journey ahead so that you can take advantage of every opportunity to regain as much function as possible and learn to live with the rest.

Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.