Receiving a spinal cord injury can impact every aspect of a person’s well-being. It is important to know that many people with SCIs live happy and productive lives.
There are a variety of treatments prescribed to help treat spinal cord injuries and being treated quickly after the injury happens is critical for securing a more positive outcome. Among these treatment options include:
Medication
Surgery
Bed rest
Traction/Immobilization
Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation
Victims of spinal cord injuries often undergo a major emotional reaction to their situation. This can also happen to those who are close to them. This response includes denial, depression, a hopeless outlook, and fear. To help cope with these feelings, there should be frequent discussion between the doctors, nurses, patient, and family. Topics to be considered include:
Alternative methods of treatment
Specific medical questions
Any problems or reactions the family has
The range of emotions and special ongoing needs
Concerns about the pause in a patient’s employment
Finding a good rehabilitation center that fits well with the patient is important. There are some questions to ask to determine which one is right for your situation. Among these are:
What are the levels and kinds of spinal cord injuries among the other patients?
Are there people being treated similar to you in age and gender?
How many people are treated at the center annually?
Is the program accredited?
Will the treatment involve both short and long term goals?