By Raymond Jones


Basically, injuries to the spinal cord are simply damages on any part of the backbone. Such damages may result in loss of sensation and function in other body parts served by the spine. At the same time, these injuries may result in serious effects on the life of the individual. This is because losing function in your body parts may take away your independence and abilities. However, through spinal cord injury exercises, you can improve sensations and body functions.

As a matter of fact, the damage to your central nervous system or CNS could be permanent. Nevertheless, with exercises and physical rehabilitation, you can redevelop some of the functions as well as regain some independence. Therefore, it is important to ensure you are active after an injury to your spine. This is because it helps to improve your function and recovery.

People mostly think that once an injury in the spine is encountered, one has to completely paralyze in the whole body starting from the neck region. On the contrary, this will only occur if the damage has occurred in the neck region and it is very fatal. A person, on the other hand, might be paralyzed on the leg region down from waist. These two incidences mostly happen in connection to the type of damage.

These incidents come with different repercussions as some will live independently as normal while others might become disabled forever while others will have to walk using aids. When the damage is termed as complete, then the patient or a person will have to lose all the motor and sensory activities. In an incomplete case, some functions will remain normal. Persons suffering from incomplete damages are most likely going to regain back motor functions unlike those suffering from complete damages.

Following a SCI, it is essential to keep moving so as to avoid spasticity. Spasticity is a situation when the joints and the muscles become stiff and tight. As a result, movement becomes difficult. If spasticity is not treated, it may result in uncontrollable and painful muscle spasms in extreme cases.

Normally, spasticity can be prevented by improving your flexibility through self and passive range of motion exercises. The passive range of motion is performed by physical, occupational, and rehabilitation therapists. This profession assists the patient to move the joints and the muscles. However, a patient can perform the self-range of motion exercises. Nevertheless, the self-exercise is only possible if you can partially or fully use your arm after an injury.

In the recovery process, patients suffering from SCI should carry out stretching activities on a daily basis. These activities help a lot in improving and retaining motion. Daily activities such as moving from wheelchair or dressing become very difficult in case your body muscles become tight. This limits ones independence.

Again, more physical activities for SCI patients minimize the risk of suffering from secondary complications. Some of the secondary complications are such as respiratory illness, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections. However, physical activities help to manage other problems such as chronic pain, spasticity, and weight gain.




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