Journey to Healing: Rebuilding Life After Spinal Cord Injury

Around 17,730 new spinal cord injury (SCI) cases occur in the US each year, which translates to about 54 cases per one million Americans. A recent report from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reveals that vehicle crashes cause 39.3 percent of these injuries. Other common causes include falls, violent acts, and sports accidents. SCI can be extremely debilitating because the spinal column houses the nerve pathways that allow organs to communicate with the brain.

Medical experts agree that SCI can range from causing total paralysis to allowing partial recovery, but the extent of recovery is never certain. Several factors, however, can improve a patient’s condition and help them on their road to recovery. Here’s what people can expect during the recovery process for SCI patients.

The most challenging phase of a spinal cord injury is the initial period. When a patient first wakes up in the hospital and learns about their injury, it can be very demoralizing. It’s crucial for the patient’s support system to remind them that surviving the injury is a significant achievement.

Historically, the survival rate for SCI was very low. Depending on how severe the injury is, patients might need major surgery, require ventilator support, or undergo other medical treatments. After initial treatments, they will stay in the hospital for further observation until discharged. Recovery might continue at home or in a long-term care facility.

During this period, families must consider how they will fund ongoing treatments while the patient remains immobile. If the injury resulted from an accident, a lawyer might help address compensation and other legal concerns. Legal experts can ensure the patient receives proper medical care and educate the family on managing the situation.

Physical therapy begins as soon as doctors permit. Patients who are diligent and energetic in their therapy sessions have a better chance of recovery. These sessions include exercises aimed at strengthening the body and stimulating the brain to heal the injury site. Although full recovery isn’t guaranteed, physical therapy can significantly improve mobility and the regain of bodily functions. Positive signs of recovery include reduced swelling, regained sensation and movement below the injury site, and learning to use wheelchairs or prosthetics.

In addition to physical healing, it’s essential to monitor psychological health. SCI patients often feel helpless and depressed, so fostering a positive outlook is vital for faster recovery. Although recovering from SCI is challenging and may seem unattainable, the right treatments and diagnoses can mitigate the injury’s physical and psychological impacts.

With a strong support network consisting of family, friends, a dedicated spinal injury lawyer, and medical professionals, SCI patients can be confident in their potential to recover over time.