Spotlight on Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Overview
The spinal cord is about as thick as a finger and contains bundles of nerve fibres that carry nerve signals to and from the brain and body. These nerve signals can be for movement, or for sensation of pain, heat, cold etc.
A Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) causes damage to the spinal cord that causes temporary or permanent changes in function. Most spinal cord injuries are due to an accident. However, other causes include infection, lack of blood flow, and tumours.
Symptoms occur below the level of the injury and may include loss of movement and sensation, and also impact internal organs and functions.
The injury may be complete with a total loss of sensation and muscle function below the level of the injury. An incomplete injury enables some nerve signals to pass the injured area.
The outcomes vary greatly from one person to another, depending on the extent of the injury.
How neuro physio can help you recover:
The neuro physio will work together with you and those supporting you, due to the significant impact of the spinal cord injury. This will enable you to get the best out of your rehabilitation and reduce the risk of any secondary complications.
Complete spinal cord injury
The neuro physio will work with you to gain in independence and guide your rehabilitation. This will include strengthening the body above the level of the injury, teaching transfer techniques, and keeping optimal muscle length and joint range of movement below the level of the injury.
Other aspects of treatment may include regular standing to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and aid digestion, etc. The neuro physio can also advise on equipment, cough and breathing techniques, and optimise posture and positioning. We can also identify the cause of any pain and muscle spasms, and treat as appropriate. Hydrotherapy may be helpful, with all the benefits of being in a warm, quiet pool with increased freedom to move, whilst being comfortably in your depth. (more on hydrotherapy).
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Treatment will vary depending on how the injury has impacted you. It will focus on rehabilitation and working towards your goals such as returning to work or leisure activities.
This is likely to include strengthening, stretching, re-training normal ways of moving, re-learning movement and control of the body and limbs, balance training, and building up cardiovascular exercise and stamina. The neuro physio can include advice on posture and position including workstation and driving position if appropriate. They can help identify equipment to help such as exercise equipment and orthotics. Hydrotherapy may also be very beneficial with greater freedom to move with the buoyancy and resistance of the water. This would be in a warm, quiet pool where you would be in your depth and at ease. (more on hydrotherapy).
What people say:
“In July 2023 I was involved in an accident which resulted in a broken neck. This was right at the top of my neck, with a C2 fracture and spinal cord damage. The medical jargon called it a diagnosis of C3 incomplete ASIA D. Following the accident I had reduced movement and control in all my limbs and was initially told I would not walk again.
On discharge from Hospital I had recovered movement and was able to walk though at this time it was very difficult and unsteady.
I then started working with Anne who following an initial assessment developed a range of exercises which helped to reteach my brain and nervous system how to function and co-ordinate. Anne made all the sessions varied and encouraged me with my recovery progressing the exercises as I progressed. Anne also persevered at getting me into a swimming pool for some of my rehabilitation, something I resisted for some time but am so glad that I gave in as it really did add another dimension to the activities that I was doing.
I have been working with Anne for around 5 months and I am now walking with confidence and going about my daily life almost as before. Thank you Anne for all your hard work and encouragement.”