Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure sores, are a common complication of spinal cord injury. They occur when a person is immobilized or confined to bed or wheelchair for a longer period of time, leading to pressure and friction on the skin. In SCI patients, bed sores often occurs in areas of the body that are subject to more pressure such as the hips, elbows, tailbone and heels. These sores can range in severity from mild redness and irritation to deep wounds that expose muscle and bone.
These sores can have a significant impact on the patients as well as on their rehabilitation process. Here are some ways bed sores can affect SCI patients:
Pain and Discomfort: Bed sores can be really painful and uncomfortable, making it difficult for the patients to participate in their daily as well as rehabilitation activities such as physical therapy and mobility exercises.
Delayed healing: Bed sore can take a long time to heal, which can delay a person’s rehabilitation progress and hence they may need to spend some extra time in their rehabilitation center in order to become independent, which can be emotionally and financially draining for them as well as their family.
Increased risk of infection: bed sores are open wounds and hence they can become infected, which may leads to sepsis and sometimes the infection get may worsen and reached to the bones which will be a life threating condition for SCIs.And if not treated at the right time this can lead to prolong hospitalization.
Limited mobility: In severe cases, bed sores can restrict a patient’s mobility, making it difficult to sit, stand, or move. This can make it challenging for patients to participate in rehabilitation activities and hinder their overall recovery.
Emotional Impact: Bed sores can be emotionally distressing for SCI patients, affecting their self-esteem and confidence. It can also be frustrating for patients to feel like their progress is being hindered by a preventable complication.
By Virendra Vikram Singh(PT)