Experiencing a spinal cord injury is life-changing in nearly every aspect of a person鈥檚 well-being: physically, emotionally, and socially. The initial shock of the injury often comes with fear, uncertainty, and grief as the individual now faces the loss of mobility and independence. Daily tasks that were once second nature can now be immensely challenging and require assistance. But rehabilitation and resilience is possible with a strong support system.
鈥淪imilar to losing a loved one, there is a sense of deep and profound loss,鈥 says , DPT, a spinal cord specialist at Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital at the 人妻中出视频 of Utah. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 take lightly the privilege of being able to help patients find hope in what is often the most challenging time of their lives.鈥
Patients are learning to live life in a whole new way. They might need specialized equipment, such as vans or ramps, and modifications of their living environments.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e learning how to be themselves after a significant physical change, which, if you put yourself in their position, you can imagine how hard that is,鈥 Hale-Larsen says.
Caring for Someone with Spinal Cord Injury
Patients often rely on their loved ones as caregivers for help with daily tasks such as getting dressed, using the restroom, and transportation. Caring for a loved one with a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming, but having support is critical to a patient's success.
鈥淎 lot of the focus tends to go on the person who has had the injury, but we often forget that the people around them are going through it as well,鈥 Hale-Larsen says. 鈥淪o, however you choose to cope, it鈥檚 very important to take time for yourself.鈥
If you are a caregiver, it can be helpful to have a close friend or family member learn how care is provided, so if you ever need time away, you have help to fall back on.
Ways to support someone with a spinal cord injury:
- Encourage independence. Help with daily tasks with promoting self-sufficiency as much as possible. This can include helping your loved one get back out into the community and doing activities they love, even if modifications are necessary.
- Provide emotional support. Offer patience, reassurance, and a listening ear to help them cope with the emotional challenges that come with a spinal cord injury.
- Receive training. Learn how to help with mobility, transfers, and personal care while prioritizing comfort and dignity.
- Help reconnect. Social reintegration can help them stay connected with friends, engage in hobbies, and explore adaptive activities. Many people find encouragement through peer-to-peer programs.
鈥淪eeing someone who has been through a similar situation living their life two or three years out from injury can be inspiring,鈥 Hale-Larsen says.
The Dos and Don鈥檛s of Positive Thinking
When your loved one suffers a life-changing injury, it鈥檚 only natural to want to offer encouragement. However, sometimes鈥攄espite good intentions鈥攖oo much positivity can be detrimental.
鈥淚t's a very important part of the healing process to allow somebody to feel their feelings,鈥 Hale-Larsen says. 鈥淐omments from family such as 鈥楨verything will be fine鈥 or 鈥榊ou鈥檙e going to walk out of here鈥 minimizes their loved ones鈥 experience. Allow that person to be in that moment. Sit and be with them in their grief. Active listening goes a long way.鈥
As a caregiver, one of the best things you can do is simply listen. Allow your loved one to have bad days and to grieve what they have lost. Celebrating milestones and progress is always a good thing. But just as important, allow your loved one to feel the complexity of their grief and do not diminish their feelings by being overly positive.
Where to Get Help
Whether you鈥檙e a caregiver or you鈥檝e suffered a spinal cord injury, here are some resources to help you regain your independence:
Mental health and wellness:
- provides psychological support for persons attempting to cope with conditions such as spinal cord injury.
- is a video library where you can watch videos or connect with others living with SCI, their families, and health care professionals.
Rehabilitation programs:
- The Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital helps restore the quality of life for people with severe injuries and disabling conditions.
- focuses on your health with home and community-based rehabilitation.
Finding hope after a spinal cord injury can be challenging, but with the right support, encouragement, and resources, individuals can rebuild fulfilling lives.
Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital
Our hospital was built for patients鈥攐f all capabilities鈥攖o interact with their surroundings in real-time. Our smart technology enables patients greater control of the space around them and their recovery. Come experience it for yourself.
Acute Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation
When life takes an unexpected turn due to a spinal cord injury, hope and help are crucial. Jeffrey Rosenbluth, MD, medical director of the Spinal Cord Acute Rehabilitation Program at Neilsen Rehabilitation, explains the immediate and long-term care needed after these injuries.