Important Information On Spinal Cord Injury Exercises

By Raymond Jones


In general terms, spinal injuries include damages that occur in the backbone. They may occur in different parts and they might result to loss of backbone functioning such as sensation. The life of the person can also be at risk in the case of these injuries. These damages also bring lack of being able move and independence in case the affect certain body parts. These effects, on the other hand, can be reduced by spinal cord injury exercises which improve sensation and functioning of body to a greater extent.

The damage caused to CNS in most cases are permanent. However, this is not a must as through certain exercises and rehabilitation of physicals, the lost functioning and sensation can be regained bringing back the lost independence. This means that one must be very serious with carrying out exercises when he or she is faced with a spinal injury. With this, recovery of the lost functioning will be very fast.

When these injuries occur, people tend to think that a person will become permanently and completely paralyzed down from the neck. Contrary to this, it is only in extreme cases whereby the neck CNS is severely damaged, that will lead to a person become completely paralyzed. Most people become paralyzed from the waist to the leg. The two problems usually occur but are determined by the severity, type, and form of injury.

At the same time, some patients will be able to walk either with or without supporting equipment and can live independently, but others might never regain their motor function. In case the severity of an injury is classified as complete, then all motor function and feeling is lost. However, when some function and feeling remain in the affected area, the damage is classified as incomplete. People with incomplete injuries are likely to regain some motor function compared to those with complete injuries.

Following a SCI, it is essential to keep moving so as to avoid spasticity. Spasticity is a situation when the joints and the muscles become stiff and tight. As a result, movement becomes difficult. If spasticity is not treated, it may result in uncontrollable and painful muscle spasms in extreme cases.

This condition can be reduced in the case where flexibility is improved. This is achieved through passive and self-motion exercises. On the passive aspect of motion, physical, rehabilitation and occupational therapies are carried out. With this, a patient is able to move muscles and joints easily. A patient can, however, perform these motion exercises in a self-range. This is however possible where after the injury your arm can be moved fully or partially.

On the other hand, patients with SCI should practice stretching activities daily during recovery. This helps to improve and retain the range of motion. When the muscles become tight, the ability to perform your everyday activities such as dressing or moving to or from the wheelchair become limited. In return, your independence is limited as well.

Again, more physical activities for SCI patients minimize the risk of suffering from secondary complications. Some of the secondary complications are such as respiratory illness, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections. However, physical activities help to manage other problems such as chronic pain, spasticity, and weight gain.




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