Rehabilitation: Spinal Injuries
Injury to the spine may cause weakness or paralysis, depending on whether the
spine is damaged or severed completely. An individual may suffer from paraplegia
(paralysis of the lower limbs) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs),
depending on where the spine was injured. Lower-spine injuries usually affect
the lower limbs, while upper-spine injuries may affect all four
limbs.
Because a spinal injury may reduce mobility, bedsores become a
substantial risk. To prevent bedsores, the injured should be moved frequently
and make use of special bed padding and a wheelchair cushion. It is also
beneficial for the injured to maintain joint mobility, which can be accomplished
through heat therapy and massage.
Many paraplegics are independently
able to drive a car, transfer themselves from a chair or bed to their wheelchair
and maintain employment. Quadriplegics, however, generally require care
from others 24 hours a day.
see also:
Leg Amputation
Rehabilitation: Leg AmputationInformation About Rehabilitation: Leg Amputation
Speech Loss
What patients should know about rehabilitation for speech lossIf you have suffered from loss of speech, you may need rehabilitation
Specific Health Conditions
Learn about Specific Health Conditions associated with rehabilitationInformation About Rehabilitation: Specific Health Conditions
