Living with a spinal cord injury

Individuals living with spinal cord injuries can be faced with a lot of day-to-day challenges. With limited or no mobility, spinal cord injury patients may struggle to maintain their independence. With this in mind, it’s important to understand the mobility options available and how ongoing innovative technologies can help.

WHAT IS A SPINAL CORD INJURY?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is when there is damage to the spinal cord, which can result in a loss of function, including movement and/or feeling. Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injury are diseases such as Spinal Bifida, Polio, and more. Other causes include injuries from motor or sports accidents. The spinal cord is a collection of nerves that travel from the bottom of the brain down a person’s back. With 31 pairs of nerves going to a person’s arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. These nerves communicate with the brain, which gives commands to muscles, resulting in the movement of the arms and legs.

A spinal cord injury complete means that there is no sensation or movement below the level of the injury on both sides of the body.

LEVELS OF SPINAL CORD INJURY

There are two different types of spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury complete means that there is no sensation or movement below the level of the injury on both sides of the body. An incomplete spinal cord injury indicates that there is some function, movement, and feeling in parts of the body. There are nine levels of spinal cord injury. A C2-C3 injury is the most severe injury which normally results in the individual lacking the ability to breathe and a patient with this level of injury is totally dependent on others for care. At the other end of the spectrum, a person living with an L1-L5 injury typically has varying degrees of muscle movement in the legs. They may be able to walk a short distance with assistive technology.

POWER CHAIRS FOR INJURY TO THE SPINAL CORD

In addition to ongoing medical care and physical therapy, individuals living with a spinal cord injury may benefit from a powerchair. Quantum Rehab offers solutions to help SCI patients live a more independent life. The Edge 3 Stretto powerchair is available with optional iLevel® Power Adjustable Seat Height technology. This means that the seat elevates up to 12 inches while driving at 3.5 mph. Kevin Atkins the UK Senior Quantum Sales Manager states ‘ILevel has Extra Stability Technology®, which increases safety for cooking, reaching, transferring, and grooming while the seat is elevated. With iLevel, individuals living with a spinal cord injury can be at eye level with their family and friends. This can reduce neck pain associated with to having to look up at people from a standard wheelchair’. ■

For more information about Quantum Rehab products and how they may help you get in touch: Quantum Rehab UK contact: 01869 324600 email: sales@quantumrehab.co.uk web: www.quantumrehab.co.uk