Embracing Your Space:

Choose the Right Rehab Center

Rehabilitation will play a critical role in your recovery. During rehab, you will work with a team of doctors, nurses and therapists. They will help you to regain some of the function that you lost, teach you how to control your body and show you how to live as independently as possible. To make the most of your time in rehab, you should choose a facility that has a low staff-to-patient ratio and the equipment and other resources to meet your needs. You may want to consider a rehab center that has certification from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities or Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, or a facility which has been designated as a Model Spinal Cord Injury Center.

Overcome Your Pain

Like many spinal cord injury patients, you may experience chronic pain. The most common types of pain are nociceptive (muscles and joints), neuropathic (nerves) and visceral (abdomen or thorax). The pain can affect you emotionally and lead to anxiety and depression. However, you can overcome this obstacle. Many patients undergo chronic pain treatment that combines injections, medication and therapy. Depending on the nature of the pain, surgery may also be an option. Even a simple change in routine may alleviate the pain. For instance, you may have developed arm and wrist pain due to excessive wheelchair use. Don't overlook the seriousness of chronic pain or try to "tough it out." You can – and should – get help.

Get Mobile

Your ability to get around will help you to return to as normal of a life as possible. Depending on the nature and extent of your spinal cord injury, you could choose from many different types of assistive devices, including canes, crutches and walkers. If you need more assistance, you can choose from a wide range of wheelchairs. For instance, you may want to use a manual wheelchair in order to maintain your upper-body strength, or you may go with a powered wheelchair. Check out the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s excellent article on choosing the right wheelchair and consult with your physical therapist.

Take the Wheel

Transportation is a major concern for people with spinal cord injury and their families. Fortunately, many different models of wheelchair-accessible vehicles are on the market today. Although costly, these vehicles provide convenience and eliminate the pain and discomfort that comes from transferring from a wheelchair to a car seat. For greater independence, you can also check out an adapted vehicle or outfit your car with adaptive features that allow you to drive on your own. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides a good overview of adapted vehicles. Again, cost may a concern. However, as the NHTSA notes, many manufacturers and dealers offer rebates and other deals that you can explore.

Stay Strong and Flexible

If you live with spinal cord injury, you run the risk of becoming inactive and suffering a host of complications. Those complications include pressure sores, muscle atrophy, skin problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. It will be crucial that you stay as active as possible. A physical therapist can teach you a variety of strength and flexibility exercises. You can also get involved with organizations that promote fitness through activities such as wheelchair sports, equine therapy or even snorkeling. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability offer comprehensive resource databases that can help you to find nearby organizations that provide fitness opportunities.

Watch What You Eat

As the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) notes, you need to pay attention to your nutrition as you recover from a spinal cord injury. If you fail to follow a proper diet, it could cause problems with your skin, bones, heart, bowels and urinary tract. The VA suggests that you eat three well-balanced meals per day that consist of a serving of meat (or a meat substitute), fruit, vegetables, grain and low-fat dairy. You should also make sure to include at least 15-30 grams of fiber in your diet, stay hydrated throughout the day and work Vitamin D and calcium into your meal plan. Generally speaking, you will be better off eating home-cooked meals rather than restaurant-prepared food (especially fast food).

Don't Overlook Your Mental Health

Many people with spinal cord injury experience mental health issues at some point during their recovery. In fact, one study found that as high as 48.5 percent of those with spinal cord injury experience problems such as depression (37 percent), anxiety (30 percent) and clinical-level stress (25 percent). If your injury arose from a traumatic event such as a car accident, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be a concern. If you notice any signs of mental health issues, you should seek professional counseling without delay. Medication, one-on-one counseling sessions and peer counseling may all be options that can help you to get through a tough time. Check out the Illinois State Mental Health Authority for more information.

Find a Furry Friend

A service dog can provide a great deal of practical assistance to a person who is coping with spinal cord injury. A canine friend can also serve as a source of comfort and companionship. For instance, a service dog can help with balance or even assist with picking up items around the home. As the Illinois Attorney General notes, laws protect your right to have a service dog by your side in public places. The website, AnythingPawsable, provides a helpful guide to picking the right service dog for your needs. You can also find a wealth of information about service dogs at the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners website.

Return to Work or School

Going back to work or school can play a key role in the recovery process for people with spinal cord injury. The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center discusses the many benefits that come from a return to work. In particular, the spinal cord injury survivor can earn needed income, acquire health care benefits and improve his or her self-esteem and satisfaction with life. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employers from discriminating against you on the basis of your spinal cord injury-related disability in their hiring and other employment practices. Additionally, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act protects those with disabilities from grades K to 12 and ensures they receive the services they need to complete their education.

Manage Your Finances

The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center provides a comprehensive overview of the average yearly expenses and estimated lifetime costs of spinal cord injury. Facing these costs requires tight budgeting as well as an exploration of all available sources of assistance. For instance, many people with spinal cord injury are eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits, veterans' disability benefits, workers' compensation benefits (or a combination of benefits). Additionally, a personal injury lawsuit may lead to compensation if a person suffered spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another person.