Question 1

how soon after a spinal cord injury is it okay to give the person a massage?

Accepted Answer

Soon: There is probably no problem with massage unless the area to be rubbed has been injured (cuts, broken bones, scrapes) or has had surgery. Check with the doctors caring for the person. Showing the person care and affection in this way (touch) can be very positive for a person experiencing a catastrophic injury.

Question 2

why do you become paralyzed after a spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Spinal Cord Injury: When the spinal cord, the spine is damaged, severed, cut, or crushed, the softer tissues of the cord are damaged, often permanently.  These nerves come from the brain, go the internal organs, the arms, legs, muscles, skin all over the body.  Damage is permanent, the nerves will not work, and the brain cannot feel or control the muscles, which is the definition of paralysis.

Question 3

can you tell me what kind of bowel complications can arise after a spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Neurogenic Bowel: Depends on the level of injury. Injury above the sacral  segments causes: upper motor neuron bowel. This can lead to prolonged transit times in the colon, and severe constipation with accidents and incomplete emptying.Injury at/below this level ex.Conus or cauda equina injury can cause loss of rectal tone and frequent accidents. A bowel routine directed by a sci doc or nurse can help manage this.

Question 4

what are wheelchair transfers after a spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

See answer below: Wheelchair transfers refer to transfers that a person with a spinal cord injury who is using a wheelchair must perform when going from the wheelchair to a bed, to a couch, to a car, to a shower bench, and back into the wheelchair. Sliding boards are initially used to make the transfers easier.

Question 5

is it possible to get better from incomplete spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You need very good expert medical care from a neurosurgeon and neurologist and therapists.

Question 6

could spinal cord injury cause cognitive injuries?

Accepted Answer

Not by itself: Spinal cord injury alone does not account for cognitive impairments, however, often there is an overlooked closed head injury to blame. Any injury of sufficient force to cause cord injury could cause concussion. Another possibility is that medications used to treat the effects spinal cord injury (bladder meds, spasticity meds, pain meds) can cause impairments in awareness, memory, etc.

Question 7

how could you lose weight when you have a spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Depends on injury: Anything that uses energy (calories) will help one lose weight, as long as he doesn't eat or drink back more calories right after the activity. Paraplegics can exercise, quadriplegics cannot. Examples: if rolling in a wheel chair, take a longer route; park a block from school and roll there with the kids; at home, skip dessert and go roll around the block instead. Join wheelchair sports and races.

Question 8

how can people with a spinal cord injury control their bowels?

Accepted Answer

Some may not: Be able to control their bowels. Depending on the level of injury and whether it is a complete or incomplete injury, a spinal cord patient may or may not be able to control their bowels. Some will get on a strict bowel regimen to help and others may need other interventions.

Question 9

what is the best medication to treat a spinal cord injury and spasticity?

Accepted Answer

4 major ones: Treating spinal cord injury is more about minimizing the amount of damage at the time of injury: Methylprednisolone may have some benefit, but studies are inconclusive. As for spasticity, four drugs are standard of care: baclofen, diazepam, tizanidine, & dantrolene. Each has benefits and drawbacks; they all come in generic. Some may require more than one drug, or the use of a drug pump device.

Question 10

how is it possible for people with a spinal cord injury control their bowels?

Accepted Answer

With careful plans: Something called a bowel program is developed with medications, use of the gastrocolic reflex and careful timing of rectal stimulation.  Trying to get a consistent schedule with  complete emptying of the bowel limits accidents.

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Range of motion exercises after a spinal cord injury

A member asked:

How soon after a spinal cord injury is it okay to give the person a massage?

A member asked:

Why do you become paralyzed after a spinal cord injury?

A member asked:

Can you tell me what kind of bowel complications can arise after a spinal cord injury?

A member asked:

What are wheelchair transfers after a spinal cord injury?

A member asked:

Is it possible to get better from incomplete spinal cord injury?

A member asked:

Could spinal cord injury cause cognitive injuries?

A member asked:

How could you lose weight when you have a spinal cord injury?

A member asked:

How can people with a spinal cord injury control their bowels?

A member asked:

What is the best medication to treat a spinal cord injury and spasticity?

A member asked:

How is it possible for people with a spinal cord injury control their bowels?

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