September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge and raise awareness of the challenges faced by those living with a spinal cord injury.
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can have a significant impact on a person’s life, affecting their mobility, sensation, and overall well-being. A SCI is damage to the spinal cord or the spinal nerve roots within the spinal canal resulting in temporary or permanent loss of movement and/or feeling. Injuries can be traumatic (car accident, sports injury, work-related accidents, etc.), or non-traumatic (multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal bifida, etc.).
Nutrition and exercise are critical in promoting recovery, preventing secondary complications, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with a SCI.
How does nutrition help with a SCI?
While a well-balanced diet that includes lean protein, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables can help support overall health and well-being for everyone, proper nutrition is essential for individuals with spinal cord injuries as it can support the healing process, improve overall health, and prevent complications.
Some of the most common secondary side effects of SCI include muscle atrophy, urinary tract infections (UTIs), pressure wounds, obesity, osteoporosis, and neurogenic bowel complications. Certain nutrients need to be considered more closely to avoid these complications, such as:
- Fiber: Eat 15-30 grams of fiber every day. Fiber helps move the stool through the bowel, which is especially important for those with neurogenic bowel.
- Water: Drink a minimum of 1.5L (50 oz) of water each day. Water has many benefits for those living with a SCI – it helps soften the stool making it easier to pass, it flushes out the bladder to prevent bladder and kidney stones, and keeps skin hydrated to avoid tears on pressure points.
- Calcium: Calcium supports bone and teeth health and can help in lowering blood pressure.
- Protein: Protein helps your body maintain a good immune system and fight infection. It helps muscles stay strong and skin stay healthy.
What does exercise do for a SCI?
Exercise improves heart health, mental health, and plays a crucial role in managing spinal cord injuries. Exercise can help improve physical function and prevent muscle deconditioning, which will help those living with a SCI reach their highest level of functional independence.
It is important to work closely with healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists, when implementing exercise programs. Rehab services with these experts can specifically tailor routines and work towards the best possible outcomes with any muscle function gained back.
Adaptive sports, wheelchair-based activities, and specialized exercise equipment provide opportunities for individuals with SCI to stay active and maintain their physical fitness and create opportunities for socializing with other individuals with similar injury or disability.
Aaron Baker, our SCI lifestyle specialist, has put together some information on adaptive exercise:
- Adaptive Water Sports
- Adaptive Winter Sports
- Adaptive Race Car Driving
- Where to Find Adaptive Mountain Bikes
- Sports and SCI
A well-balanced diet and regular physical activity are essential for promoting recovery, preventing complications, and bettering the overall health and well-being of those living with a SCI. Individuals living with a SCI can live healthy, active, productive, and happy lives. With the right support and resources after injury, individuals can reach their highest level of functional independence.
You can find useful resources in our online Spinal Cord Injury Community, where we share stories, advice, and SCI-related news.
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