Important information for new spinal cord injury survivors

Surviving a spinal cord injury can be as emotionally challenging for the victims friends and family as it can be for the victim. There are several factors that will influence recovery such as: the speed and quality of care, how soon following an injury is a person is immobilized as well as the type and amount of physical therapy the survivor receives. As all parties involved try to make sense of what happened they also have an overwhelming need to understand what is in store for them.
A key part of healing is arming oneself with a complete understanding about recovery and making plans for the future. This not only helps the survivor focus on treatment, it is also an important part of acceptance.

The quality and swiftness of the treatment received is key

The types of long term disabilities spinal cord injury survivors must face depends largely on the severity of the injury, the specific nerve fibers that were damaged in the injury and the segment of the spine that was injured can make a difference in recovery. The level along the spinal column where the injury transpired is particularly useful in determining which motor functions will be affected.
Another critical factor in recovery is how soon following the injury you are treated as well as the level of quality of the treatment received. To prevent the occurrence of additional damage, it is important that people who have sustained a spinal cord injury be handled in a way that minimizes movement of the spine. Anything that causes spinal compression, swelling, hematoma, bone fragments or foreign objects must be removed or reduced. Paralysis can be minimized if this can be accomplished before the nerves of the spine are damaged. The spine should also be realigned as soon as possible using a brace or traction to steady the spine and to prevent additional damage.

Rehabilitation is the roadmap to recovery

Once the patient has been stabilized, another important factor in recovery will be the type and amount of rehabilitation the injured receives. Physical therapy that focuses on muscle development and occupational therapy that emphasizes fine motor skill development is important aspects of spinal cord rehabilitation this includes coping strategies for bowel and bladder management, vocational rehabilitation for returning to work and recreational therapy to encourage the spinal cord injury survivor to seek out recreational activities appropriate to their level of mobility.