Spinal Cord Injury Exercises

Spinal cord injury patients generally suffer from some loss of motor skills or sensation near the area of impact. Once doctors have stabilized a patient's injury, exercise is a key component to improve their overall functionality, and can also encourage self-esteem and well-being. Exercise, along with positive dietary changes and proper hydration, are essential tools for improving the overall health and emotional well-being of a spinal cord patient.

Spinal Cord Injuries

• There are 30 different segments in the spinal cord that is broken up into three different sections: eight cervical vertebrae, five lumbar vertebrae and five sacral vertebrae. The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the type and location in which it occurs. However, most patients who have sustained a spinal cord injury will show at least some loss of functionality at or around the injury location. According to the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, the most common spinal cord injuries occur from car accidents, gunshot wounds, sports-related accidents, or falls. People who sustain a serious spinal cord injury are at risk of developing permanent limitations of joint movement, muscle atrophy and osteoporosis.

Spinal Cord Injury Exercises

• Before starting any exercises, a patient should consult with a doctor that specializes in spinal cord injuries. In general, physicians will recommend to begin with light exercises for about 10 minutes every other day, and then slowly increase the time and type of exercises completed. As much as exercise can be a great benefit for spinal cord injury patients, it is very important to have assistance to prevent further injuries.

  There are several different types of exercises that spinal cord injury patients should participate in to improve their overall health. Spinal cord patients can prevent pressure sores, pain and injury by keeping joints and muscles flexible. Patients can also participate in range of motion exercises that can help maintain muscles and encourage circulation between joints. A very simple exercise that is a great first step for spinal cord injury patients is breathing. Breathing exercises can help keep the respiratory system strong and also make it easier to take deep breaths.

  Cardiovascular conditioning is highly important for maintaining a healthy heart that will allow the patient to safely participate in everyday activities. Some of the cardio exercise machines that can be adapted for spinal cord patients include rowing machines, arm or bicycle ergometers and treadmills.

  Maintaining muscular strength is also essential for spinal cord injury patients. A patient can easily achieve this by lifting weights in a series of movements. Not only will this help strengthen muscles, but it will also help build endurance for wheelchair patients.