A spinal cord injury happens when a bone in your spine cuts or presses on the spinal cord. This stops communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
The closer the injury is to the head, the more the body is affected. Serious damage to the spinal cord in the neck can lead to not being able to use your arms and legs. This is called quadriplegia.
First, your doctor will try to prevent more damage to your spine and spinal cord. You may get braces, casts, or straps. You may also get medicines for swelling. Sometimes surgery is used. Surgery can remove bone. It can also stabilize or straighten the spine.
It can be scary and overwhelming to realize you are paralyzed. There is a lot to learn, but things usually get easier with practice and support. Don't be afraid to get support from family, friends, and counselors. You also can do things at home to feel better. A spinal cord injury changes some things forever. But you can still have a full and rewarding life.
It may be awhile before you go home. You will learn many things during your treatment. Rehabilitation is training and therapy that helps you regain function and relearn skills that were lost as a result of your injury. Rehab begins in the hospital. A rehab team that includes doctors and nurses and physical, occupational, speech, and recreational therapists will help you with daily living.
When you do go home, these things may help:
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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