Spinal cord injuries are often caused by traumatic blows to the spine from vehicle accidents, falls, sports collisions, or acts of violence. Non-traumatic causes include spinal tumors, infections, inflammatory diseases, insufficient blood flow, and ruptured disks.
A catastrophic spinal cord injury that results in partial or complete paralysis is life-altering. While advances in medical care and technology have improved the quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries, the emotional and physical impacts are immense.
This article explores the daily challenges and realities those with shattered spines face as they adjust to their new normal.
Coping with a New Reality
Suffering a severe spinal cord injury is traumatizing both physically and psychologically. In an instant, the life you knew is gone. Normal daily activities like getting dressed, cooking, and driving – things able-bodied people take for granted – become extremely difficult, if not impossible. This forced dependency on others leads many to struggle emotionally.
Depression, anger, grief, and isolation are common in the early days post-injury. Speaking with mental health professionals and joining support groups can aid the adjustment process. With time, many make peace with their new limitations, adapting their environment and routines to maximize independence.
Assistive technology allows many to regain some autonomy despite paralysis. But the emotional scars may linger long after the physical wounds have healed.
Managing Chronic Health Issues
Catastrophic spinal cord injuries often lead to secondary health complications that require diligent lifelong management. Some common issues include:
- Neuropathic pain – Damage to nerves in the spinal cord causes chronic burning, stinging pain. Medications provide limited relief.
- Spasticity – Uncontrolled muscle spasms in the arms and legs greatly impact mobility. Oral medications, injections, and surgery help reduce spasticity.
- Pressure sores – Paralyzed areas have decreased sensation, making skin vulnerable to pressure sores. Frequent movement/position changes and cushioning prevent sores.
- Urinary tract infections – Many use catheters, leading to frequent UTIs if care isn’t sterile. Infections can cause sepsis, which is life-threatening.
- Respiratory issues – Paralysis of respiratory muscles makes breathing difficult, leading to recurrent pneumonia or respiratory failure. Mechanical ventilation may be required.
Daily self-care and vigilance is required to prevent complications and maintain health. Support from family and healthcare providers is essential.
Physical Rehabilitation
Intensive inpatient rehabilitation begins soon after spinal stabilization. Physical and occupational therapists work to restore mobility within the limitations of paralysis. The focus is on building strength, coordination, and completing activities of daily living. Assistive equipment like wheelchairs, sliding boards, grip aids, etc. are usually introduced.
Once discharged, outpatient therapy continues teaching skills for maximal independence – self-catheterization, transfers, driving adaptations, and mobility equipment use. Home and vehicle modifications also promote independence. Continued exercise preserves muscle tone, joint flexibility, strength, and function. Though movement is limited, regular activity provides physical and mental health benefits.
Some people pursue more rigorous sport-focused training to push beyond society’s expectations. Organizations like WheelPower offer athletic programs and competitions like wheelchair basketball, rugby, tennis, racing, and more. Such activities provide both physical and social-emotional outlets.
Financial Hardships
Spinal cord injuries often mean losing the ability to work, leading to financial instability. Many rely on government disability assistance and insurance funds. But high healthcare costs quickly sap financial resources. Specialized equipment, home/vehicle modifications, medications, and physical care needs accumulate.
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer from our law firm that specializes in spinal injuries can help you recover compensation to cover the cost of treatment and future loss of income. Some people also crowdfund medical expenses. Financial stress compounds emotional trauma. Juggling medical bills along with daily care needs is challenging. Ongoing financial planning and support is essential, which is where we can help.
Relationship Changes
Such a drastic injury impacts all relationships. Old friends may fade away either from discomfort or lifestyle differences. Spouses and family members may struggle with caregiving demands. Feelings like dependence or being a burden arise. Roles, expectations, and dynamics shift. Some relationships strengthen through trauma, while others deteriorate.
Building new friendships and social networks provides needed comfort and understanding. Peer support furnishes a sense of community. Romance and intimacy may need redefining. Counseling aids adaptation within relationships. While disability strains bonds, caring connections help make each day worthwhile.
Moving Forward
Living with paralysis requires tremendous courage, grit and tenacity. Simple tasks become monumental efforts. But with adaptability, determination, support and hope, one can still find meaning and purpose. Progress develops gradually through small triumphs. Though the body is broken, the spirit remains resilient.
Talk to us about your spinal injury – we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Visit our office at: 422 Jacksonville Dr. Suite B, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.
Call us today for a free consultation on (904) 587-4446.
