Frequently Asked Questions - Heads Up About Health Problems

If you have a spinal cord injury, then you’ve probably heard about – or had direct experience with – some of the health problems that can plague people with SCI. They can definitely be a drag. But do check out these tips, which may help:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Keep your bladder infections to a minimum by drinking plenty of fluids. There is some research to suggest that cranberry juice and cranberry supplements can also help prevent UTIs. Try not to drink a lot of caffeine and alcohol, which can be irritating to your bladder.

Pressure sores

A pressure sore or ulcer is damaged skin from constant pressure, which can cut off blood circulation. If you’re prone to pressure sores, check the problem areas of your skin (like your behind, hips and heels) at the end of each day. Look for pink or red patches. Keep these areas from getting worse by taking extra care for the next few days: spend less time in your wheelchair, change your positioning throughout the day or try a different wheelchair cushion. A healthy diet that includes protein will help you heal faster. And remember that daily exercise boosts circulation.

Obesity

If your activity level has been reduced since your injury, you may find you’re putting on the pounds. But it’s wise to try to stick to a healthy weight, as it will lower your risk of obesity-related problems like heart disease. It will also make for easier mobility and transfers. Eat a low-fat, well-balanced diet to keep your weight under control.

Pain

Some people with SCI experience pain, either because of the spinal cord damage itself, or from related causes such as overuse of a muscle group. The lower your spinal cord injury, the more likely you are to have pain. But don’t suffer in silence! Talk to your healthcare provider about ideas for pain management. Some people benefit by joining a support group for chronic pain.

Autonomic dysreflexia

If you have a high-level SCI, autonomic dysreflexia can be your body’s way of telling you that there’s a problem. Skin irritation, an overfull bladder or even clothes that are too tight can trigger the condition. Autonomic dysreflexia feels unpleasant – your blood pressure rises and your heart rate drops, and you often have sweating and a pounding headache – and it can be potentially dangerous. Try to find and deal with the cause immediately. If you don’t know the cause, you may need to seek emergency medical attention.

Pneumonia

If your chest muscles are affected by your SCI, you may have difficulty breathing and coughing. This can increase your susceptibility to pneumonia. Ask your doctor about a pneumococcal vaccination. This can prevent some types of pneumonia infections, as well as certain meningitis and blood infections.

Low bone density

If you’re off your feet all day then you’re at higher risk for osteoporosis, a disease that can cause your bones to become weak and easily broken. The best way to conserve your bone mass is by eating a diet that’s rich in calcium and vitamin D. Dairy products contain both, so they’re a great bone-booster. Other foods packed with calcium include sardines, leafy green vegetables and soybeans.

Injuries

If you can no longer feel some parts of your body, you may occasionally injure yourself without realizing it. Take extra care to avoid bruises, burns or cuts to these body parts. Give your skin a once-over at night to look for any new injuries. ‘If I had any advice based on my experience, it would be to stay as active as you can and keep as healthy as you can. We in particular cannot afford to let pressures of work, etc., get in the way of our exercise, our sleep and our nutrition. As much as I hate to admit it, the physios are right!”- Male, SCI since 1969

Healthy people are happy people!

The University of Alabama has found, among other results, that people with recent spinal cord injuries are more satisfied with their lives if they feel they are in good health. Link here to go to the full article: http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0003-9993/PIIS...

Chill Out!

A key part of a good health regimen is relaxation. We all know that, at times, it can get stressful dealing with a disability. Tasks take longer, so you may feel frazzled. Community buildings are often inaccessible, so you may feel frustrated. Equipment and supplies cost money, so you may feel financially stretched. Finding time every day to relax is important. It gives your body a chance to stop. It gives your mind a chance to rest. And it has been proven to have a positive impact on your general health. There are specific relaxation techniques you can learn, like progressive muscle relaxation to ease your body’s tension. With another technique, visualization, you imagine yourself in a peaceful or calming place. Here are more ideas for adding a time-out to your daily routine: