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Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal Cord Injuries (“SCI”) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord. A spinal cord injury can occur either from trauma (e.g. motor vehicle accident / fall / sports injury), compression from the spinal vertebrae or a tumor / abscess or an infection or loss of its normal blood supply. Damage to the spinal cord can cause temporary or permanent changes in its function. The effects of the SCI depend on the extent to which, and the area of the spinal cord that is damaged. Many people may experience weakness or loss of movement and sensation from the level below the injury. Paraplegia describes a spinal cord injury that affects the lower limbs and parts of the trunk. Quadriplegia (also called tetraplegia) describes a spinal cord injury that affects all four limbs (from the neck down).

SYMPTOMS

  • Loss or impaired movement below the level of injury

  • Loss or impaired sensation below the level of injury

  • Loss of impaired bladder and bowel control

  • Spasms

  • Poor balance

  • Difficulties transitioning to various positions

  • Inability to walk

  • Difficulties engaging in activities of daily living

  • Decrease in community participation

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HOW WE CAN HELP

At Get Going Solutions Centre, our Occupational Therapist will conduct an extensive, comprehensive assessment to determine the type of difficulty, the severity, as well as the impact on Activities of Daily Living (“ADL”). A detailed report will be completed, along with a treatment plan specific to each individual’s needs. Recommendations for the safest diet will be made in order to avoid any further health complications.


Intervention can focus on:

  • Finding alternative methods / compensatory strategies to perform activities of daily living (e.g. bathing, dressing, using the toilet)

  • Addressing deficits such as weakness, sensory loss, and cognitive or visual impairments that limit engagement in ADLs and instrumental ADLs (“IADLS”) (IADLS: carrying groceries, cooking a meal, managing money, parenting)

  • Provide cognitive retraining exercises to address specific cognitive skills, such as attention, memory and executive functioning

  • Assessing the home and work environment to identify potential hazards and to create a more functional environment specific to the client's needs

  • Recommending special equipment or assistive devices / technology for use at home, school or work

  • Teaching the client and caregiver how to properly use adaptive equipment, like orthotics, braces or wheelchairs

  • Recommending exercises to strengthen fine motor skills, coordination and cognition

  • Teaching the client and/or caregiver on exercises and home programmes for carryover in the home

  • Educating the client and caregiver on energy effectiveness strategies and stress management techniques to promote well being

  • Environmental and behavioural modifications (home and job-site)

  • Home modifications may include accessible designs for all rooms in one’s house, ramps, wheelchair lifts or elevators and stair lifts

  • Positioning to maintain range of motion, and minimize pain

"Make Better Choices, Make Life Easier"

If you're living with limited mobility there are a number of mobility aids available which can make it easier for you get around - whether you're inside or outside. From help getting to and from your car, to effective mobility equipment which can aid you climbing the stairs, our range of care and mobility aids can assist you in making daily activities simpler and more enjoyable.

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