Get To Know The Importance Of 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.

As a matter of fact, the damage to your central nervous system or CNS could be permanent. Nevertheless, with exercises and physical rehabilitation, you can redevelop some of the functions as well as regain some independence. Therefore, it is important to ensure you are active after an injury to your spine. This is because it helps to improve your function and recovery.

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.

Improving flexibility can cause reduction in this condition. Flexibility can be increased through motion exercises. These exercises include self and passive motion ranges. Occupational rehabilitation, physical and motion therapies are the main activities of passive motion. Muscles and joints in this case can move freely. Self-range activities are however important but they are limited by the ability of a person movable parts such as arms.

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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