Building daily routines after a spinal cord injury from a crash
Daily care and independence through the lens of a spinal cord rehabilitation doctor and an occupational therapist
A spinal cord injury can change movement, feeling and how the body works below the injured spot. How much depends on where the injury is and how severe it is. A spinal cord rehabilitation doctor plans your medical follow up. An occupational therapist turns that plan into daily routines, equipment and safe transfers. The first step is learning the risks that come with your specific injury. [1, 2]
Get your daily routines in writing
Ask for clear routines for emptying your bladder, bowel care, skin checks, changing position and medicines. Have the team show you any catheter or transfer method. Then show it back to them. If you or a helper can’t do a step at home, speak up before discharge. A plan only works if it fits your home and the people who can help. [1, 2]
Guard your skin and keep moving safely
When feeling is reduced, you may not notice pressure or an injury. Ask which areas need checking and how often to change position. Ask too which cushion or mattress is right for you. Learn safe transfers and how your wheelchair should fit. Work with your therapists on strength and joint movement within your spine and fracture limits. Never write off a new red or open spot as harmless because it doesn’t hurt. [1]
Look past mobility
Breathing, pain, spasms, sexual health, mood and blood pressure may also need care. Some higher spinal injuries can bring on a sudden severe headache or a spike in blood pressure. Ask your team whether you need an emergency plan for those events. Don’t borrow someone else’s bowel, bladder or activity schedule. [1, 3]
Get urgent help for new weakness or loss of feeling, trouble breathing or an unexpected change in bladder or bowel control. Tell the doctor or nurse your level of spinal injury. Explain what’s different from what’s normal for you. Regular follow up can keep small equipment or skin problems from turning into major setbacks. [1, 2]
Questions to bring to rehab
- Which body functions does my level of injury affect?
- Which daily care steps do I or a helper need to show you we can do?
- Who answers urgent questions after hours?
Put the whole plan on one page
Sources and further reading
This general guidance comes from spinal cord rehabilitation and occupational therapy. Get urgent care for new loss of movement or feeling, trouble breathing or a sudden change in bladder or bowel function.
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