Important Information On Spinal Cord Injury Exercises

By Raymond Jones


Basically, injuries to the spinal cord are simply damages on any part of the backbone. Such damages may result in loss of sensation and function in other body parts served by the spine. At the same time, these injuries may result in serious effects on the life of the individual. This is because losing function in your body parts may take away your independence and abilities. However, through spinal cord injury exercises, you can improve sensations and body functions.

Mostly, when the central nervous system suffers an injury, it is very hard to treat. Most of the damages caused become permanent though not all. However, there are certain activities such as physical rehabilitation and exercises are used to restore normal body functioning in non-permanent damages. This brings back personal independence. With this aspect, a SCI person should always take physical exercises with seriousness.

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.

These incidents come with different repercussions as some will live independently as normal while others might become disabled forever while others will have to walk using aids. When the damage is termed as complete, then the patient or a person will have to lose all the motor and sensory activities. In an incomplete case, some functions will remain normal. Persons suffering from incomplete damages are most likely going to regain back motor functions unlike those suffering from complete damages.

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.

In the recovery process, patients suffering from SCI should carry out stretching activities on a daily basis. These activities help a lot in improving and retaining motion. Daily activities such as moving from wheelchair or dressing become very difficult in case your body muscles become tight. This limits ones independence.

These physicals also reduce the chances of a SCI patient from developing secondary complications. These complications may include pressure sores, infections in the urinary tract and respiratory disorders among others. The physical exercises try to reduce problems associated with chronic spasticity, weight gain and pain.




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