25 Apr Adjusting to Life After a Spinal Cord Injury

Did you know that around 18,000 new spinal cord injuries are reported in the country annually? According to statistics, there are around 390,000 people living with spinal cord injuries in the United States.

A spinal cord injury (SCI) can change every aspect of a person’s life just like that. Quite often, these injuries are caused by car crashes, mostly when driving without a seat belt, operating machines, falls, or as a result of an existing medical condition. If you were injured at your workplace because of negligence or poor conditions, then it is time to file a work accident claim for a spinal cord injury.

Keep reading to understand how you can adjust to life after sustaining such a life-changing injury.

What Comes Immediately After an SCI

After a spinal cord injury, medical stabilization is the first priority. Surgery, an intensive care stay, and rehabilitation are what patients can expect, depending on the severity of the damage.

These early days are a period of uncertainty. When patients begin to notice how much they will be limited, most people end up experiencing grief, frustration and even fear. However, it is important to document everything and even keep a journal detailing your pain, as this will help when claiming compensation.

Physical Adjustments

As healing continues, patients start focusing on physical adaptation. Some people will recover partial function, while others will need to use mobility aids such as wheelchairs or assistive devices permanently.

Physical therapy is critical, as it allows patients to:

• Strengthen muscles
• Improve coordination
• Learn new ways of accomplishing activities of daily living.

Some activities, such as dressing, cooking, or driving, can be overwhelming to try and learn again but are possible with the necessary support and training.

Emotional and Mental Health Support

The emotional toll of a spinal cord injury can be as devastating as a physical disability. Depression, anxiety, and loss are normal. That’s why mental health support during the adjustment phase is crucial.

Things like therapy, support groups, and peer mentors offer guidance and a sense of community. Families are also crucial, offering emotional support along with assistance in adjusting to the new way of life.

You can start by setting small, realistic goals that can make you feel like you are progressing and accomplishing something.

Getting Back to Everyday Life

After a while, you begin the process of re-entering into life. Home modification may be necessary to make it wheelchair accessible. Depending on the nature of your previous job and how understanding your employer was, you may resume your former employment. Alternatively, it may be time to try a new career path.

Luckily, thanks to technological advancement, more paths and opportunities are opening for those with spinal cord injuries. This creates a sense of independence. You can also pick up sports and other hobbies that will help with your coping journey.

Conclusion

Recovery from a spinal cord injury is difficult, but not impossible. With medical care, emotional support, and community services, many people learn to live with their injuries. If the injury was sustained at work, it is important to pursue compensation to get the finances to cover expenses.

More information:

• Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377895
• National Institute Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/spinal-cord-injury

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Last Updated on April 25, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD