Have you recently suffered a serious accident that has ended up causing you a spinal contusion? Do you have doubts about what will happen in the short and long term?
Several factors of your life are going to change significantly. Your level of independence, employment status and social support network play an essential role.
A serious injury such as a spinal contusion can drastically affect your quality of life. Here are five ways you may be able to begin improving your function.
1. Exercise
Exercising is a great spinal cord injury therapy. It will help you regain as much movement in your arms or legs as possible.
Research has shown that there are significant benefits of taking up some form of exercise after a spinal cord injury.
This is because exercise stimulates muscle growth, allowing you to slowly build up a base of strength. Not only that, but exercise also improves balance and orientation.
Lastly, but not less significantly, taking part in exercise can significantly increase your mental health. It will give you a sense of progress, as well as a belief in your own power to take control of your life.
2. Disability Benefits
Why should you apply for disability benefits?
If you or a member of your family are suffering from a severe spinal cord injury that has prevented you from working, disability benefits are a good option.
Millions of people struggle with the changes their spinal cord injury requires them to make. These accommodations are costly – physically, emotionally and financially. Disability benefits are there to help compensate for these struggles.
One advantage of having disability benefits is reliable insurance coverage. Those people who receive Disability Benefits can also greatly reduce their medical costs.
So, make sure you apply for disability benefits.
3. Use a Wheelchair
Particularly if you are suffering from a complete spinal cord injury, a good wheelchair can be a recommended SCI treatment.
Modern and improved wheelchairs allow people with a spinal cord injury to be more mobile and more comfortable.
In addition, there are some wheelchairs that can climb stairs and move over almost any type of terrain. It is a good idea to check out which is the right wheelchair for your needs.
4. Cope With Your emotions
It doesn’t matter if you are suffering from a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury, coping with your emotions will help you a lot. The psychological impact that an injury of this type can cause can give rise to different emotions such as denial, guilt, anger, resentment, frustration …
If you express your fears and concerns, you will get used to the change sooner and will learn to deal with the possible problems that may arise in the future. You can do this alone with your family or friends, or also with a professional advisor.
Often, it is best to combine these resources so that your friends and family are aware of the professional advice.
5. Manage your bladder and bowel
A spinal cord injury might interrupt communication between the nerves in the spinal cord that control bladder and bowel function.
Therefore, it is important to control your bladder and bowel to improve the quality of life and avoid future complications. This can be done by a number of different medical and non-medical means.
Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to talk to your doctors about this problem.
Spinal Contusion and the Quality of Your Life
You have to remember that there are many factors involved in a spinal contusion. Also, each person is different and therefore the results may vary.
The most important thing is to be proactive in getting the quality of your life. So, which step are you going to take today?
