Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

Life after spinal SCI is often never the same again. It’s a profound journey reshaped by resilience, adaptation, and perseverance. In this blog we are going to see how the life of one of our Spinal Cord Injury warrior, Bhagat Singh turned upside down after the sudden shift from independence to potential dependence on caregivers or family members after he met with an accident on 31st Dec 2022. He rushed to the nearest hospital and there he got to know that he fractured his D-5 Vertebra (below chest down paralysis) and sustained a spinal cord injury. Treatment Procedure Post SCI After Bhagat Singh sustained Spinal cord Injury, he underwent surgery on 10th of January 2023 in Delhi. After that the doctors advised him to start his rehabilitation because SCI not only brings immobility, but also the patient is not able to urinate or pass the stool on his/her own and for all these things one need proper assistance and help and here comes the role of rehabilitation. It helps the SCI survivor to make their life better.  But as many of us are unaware of what is SCI , how to deal with it and how to start processing life in a new way after SCI. Similarly, he was also clueless on where and how to start living normal life again so he decided to go back to his hometown and there he started his rehab at home at first and then after continuing there for few months he came back and started his physical therapy at one of a rehab Centre in Delhi from there he got to know about Kusum Spine and Neuro Rehab (KSNR) and decided to continue his therapy in KSNR. In August 2023 he came to KNSR at that time he was completely dependent and on wheelchair but in a period of about 1-2 months only he started walking with the help of a walker and soon shifted to stick with AFO. Now he is completely independent in his daily living activities and stopped doing CIC because now he can void on his own. He is improving day by day and KSNR is helping him in all possible ways. His journey from” disability to this ability” exemplifies the ability to rise above adversity, redefine limits, and embrace life’s intricacies with unwavering determination. Rebuilding Hope: Bhagat Singh’s Triumph over SCI: Key Points A bit of awareness on the part of an individual with SCI, families, and society can make a big difference in, not only the recovery process but the degree of recovery. But what matters most is timely intervention and rehab. management by the right professional. The story of Bhagat Singh is a burning example of how timely intervention and proper rehabilitation at KSNR played the most crucial role in his recovery journey. -By Dr. Virendra Vikram Singh (PT)

SCI can have a profound impact on an individual’s life; it does not only affect the mobility but also overall health and well-being. There are so many issues and secondary complications that come with SCI such as loss of control over bladder & bowel, neurogenic bladder and bowel, urinary tract infection, chronic constipation, weight management, pressure sores and a lot more. To tackle with these complications along with rehabilitation, maintaining a good nutrition is also crucial. Nutrition plays a very important role in supporting the recovery and long-term health in SCI patients. In this blog, we will explore why nutrition is essential for individuals with SCI and provide tips to optimize dietary habits. Importance of Nutrition In SCI Patients: After an SCI, the body’s nutritional needs may change, and proper nutrition becomes even more vital. Here are some key considerations and the crucial role of nutrition after a spinal cord injury: 1. Adequate Calories and Protein Intake SCI often leads to changes in metabolism, muscle breakdown, tissue damage and a decrease in body mass. Consuming enough calories through extra protein rather then carbohydrates is essential to support the body’s healing process, maintain muscle mass, and prevent complications such as pressure sores and infections. Protein-rich foods like pulses, oats, soya bean, eggs, lean meats, fish, and dairy products should be included in the diet. 2. Adequate Fiber Intake After SCI depending upon the level of injury, many people loose bladder and bowel sensation. Digestion of food and movement of stool towards colon and rectum also slows down resulting in issues such as constipation, incontinence causing bowel accidents and sometimes diarrhea too. Consuming an adequate amount of dietary fiber, found in fruits, green vegetables, cucumber, carrot, whole grains, and pulses can help soften the stool and hence promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. 3. Hydration Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it is particularly crucial for individuals with SCI. Proper hydration keeps healthy skin, helps prevent urinary tract infections, supports digestion, aids in regulating body temperature, and promotes overall health. Water, coconut water, and low-sugar beverages should be consumed throughout the day. In addition, it is also very important to give calculated amount of liquid as suggested by the medical advisor if the person is doing CIC for urination to prevent leakage. 4. Calcium and Vitamin D Individuals with SCI may have a higher risk of osteoporosis due to inactivity and decreased weight-bearing activities. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is important to maintain bone health. Dairy products, green leafy veggies, nuts, and supplements may be recommended to ensure sufficient calcium and vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is mandatory with calcium supplements for better absorption. 5. Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Foods  SCI may lead to an increase in oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, can help counteract oxidative stress. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as fatty fish, turmeric, ginger, and olive oil, may also be beneficial. 6. Vitamin and Mineral Individuals with SCI may have a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to changes in absorption. Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function and blood cell production. Including sources of vitamin B12, such as meat, fish, dairy, and fortified foods, or taking supplements if needed, is important. Furthermore, along with Vitamin B12 person with SCI may also have low phosphorus and sodium level. Mostly quadriplegics have low Blood Pressure causing lethargy and restlessness, so It is advisable to increase salt intake unless they have high blood pressure issues. Additionally, Vitamin C and zinc intake is also essential as it promote skin health. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron more effectively and helps fight infections. It also aids in better absorption of protein. Good sources of vitamin C include lemon, orange juice, orange, kiwi, and broccoli. Sources of zinc include lean meat, liver, eggs, legumes, seafood, and milk. Dry fruits not only provide fiber, protein but many essential minerals. 7. Weight Management Healthy eating can help lower your risk for becoming overweight or obese and for developing other medical complications, such as constipation, diarrhea, diabetes, infections, and limit your muscle loss. Food choices determine the amount of calories you consume. Extra calories lead to weight gain and affect your daily activities, such as strength, stamina, and transferring. So, it is important to choose foods that are rich in nutrients while staying within your calorie limits. It is advisable to eat more seasonal fruits mainly water melon, mass melon, papaya and raw vegetables fruits, raw vegetables, salad helps in salad of cucumber, radish, turnip, beat root etc. This helps in filling your belly on one hand and very low calories on the other. The Vital role of Nutrition In SCI: Key Points Maintaining proper diet and taking enough amount of nutrition can help boost your recovery faster and also help in fighting with other secondary complications.  Here are some key points mentioned below to maintain proper diet: Key is balanced diet, thrice a day and in moderate quantity. Snacks between two meals should be fresh fruits and dry fruits, A healthy diet will improve your health, but you can increase your health benefits by combining a healthy diet with other lifestyle changes, such as including physical activities, limiting alcohol use and smoking, as well as maintaining good mental health. –By Dr. Virendra Vikram Singh (PT)

A spinal cord injury is a life-altering event that can significantly impact not just the individual affected but also their entire support network. Among the key players in this network, family members often stand at the forefront, serving as the unwavering pillars of strength, support, and care. Their role is not just to provide assistance but also to provide emotional, physical and psychological support for the well-being and recovery of the individual. The Immediate Impact after SCI The moment an individual experiences an SCI, the entire family is impacted. Shock, disbelief, and emotional upheaval often accompany the initial news. In such tough time, family members become the first helping hands, offering comfort, reassurance, and a sense of stability to the survivor. Not only the comfort and reassurance but they also provide a sense of normalcy amidst chaos. In most of the cases family members are not aware of what is SCI and how to deal with it. So, along with being the helping hand for the survivor they also needs to gather knowledge about SCI and it’s complications. Emotional Support and Encouragement Emotional well-being plays a very important role in the recovery journey of SCI. Family members often act as emotional anchors, lending a listening ear, providing empathy, and fostering an environment of positivity. Definitely, the positivity is the reason that SCIs regain their health speedily. Additionally, the family members play a crucial role in preventing feelings of isolation and depression that can often accompany after such a life-altering event. The consistent encouragement and motivation by these constant pillars contribute significantly to the injured individual’s mental resilience. Their unwavering belief in the person’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges becomes a driving force during the recovery process. Physical Care and Assistance Other than emotional support, family members also helps SCIs with proper physical assistance. They becomes caregiver for the survivors immediately after their injury. After SCI the survivors lose their mobility depending on their level of injury and therefore require significant physical support. The practical aspects of caregiving post-SCI are multifaceted and demanding. From aiding with daily activities to ensuring accessibility within the home, family members often take on the role of primary caregivers. Tasks like mobility assistance, personal care, helping in daily activities and managing medical needs become integral parts of their daily routine. Adaptation and Environmental Adjustments The family’s role extends beyond physical care; they are instrumental in creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Adapting the living space, altering routines, and making adjustments from installing ramps and handrails to rearranging furniture for easier mobility, these adaptations are essential for the injured person’s comfort and independence. This inclusivity not only aids the individual’s physical well-being but also fosters a sense of belonging and normalcy, crucial for mental health. Learning and support Families often need to undergo a learning process post-SCI, understanding the intricacies of the injury and how to support the individual in the best possible way. As, the impact and severity of the injury is different for different individuals. Also post-SCI the individuals faces a lot of challenges like immobility, bladder & bowel dysfunction and many more. Moreover, family members may need to advocate for the injured person, navigating healthcare systems, rehabilitation programs. Their dedication and advocacy often ensure that the individual receives the best possible care and resources for their recovery. Conclusion In the journey of recovery after a spinal cord injury, the role of family stands unparalleled. Their unwavering support, dedication, and sacrifices contribute immensely to the individual’s rehabilitation and quality of life. Moreover, the demanding nature of caregiving can be emotionally and physically draining. Thus, respite care and self-care are vital for caregivers as well.

Travelling is one of the important aspects of life and after surviving a spinal cord injury the survivors have somewhere in their mind that they won’t be able to explore places again. There is a big stereotype among people with SCI, their family members, and the society that they can’t travel ever again. So, to bust their bubble and create history KSNR came into the picture with our easier said than done plan to take our patients to Vaishno Devi, Katra.Additionally, KSNR is setting a record by doing so as no group of wheel chair users have ever been there. However, we knew that it’s not going to be that easy but as a rehabilitation center it’s our responsibility to make our patient feel confident and teach them every aspect of life after SCI. Planning the trip As we have decided to go on a hilly area with our wheel chair users so it is very essential for us to plan everything properly before starting our journey. The crucial things which need to be taken care are mentioned below: Transportation First and most important thing is to decide how we are going to reach. There are so many ways to reach Vaishno Devi like by road, by train or by air but we have decided to go by bus as we are travelling with our patients thus our main motive was their comfort along with their enjoyment. So, we booked a bus for the whole trip so that we don’t have to worry about the transportation throughout the trip. Booking Accommodations Booking the stay prior to the the journey is equally important because it nearly takes around 12-13 hours to reach Vaishno Devi, Katra from Delhi by road. So, those long sitting hours are definitely going to be tiring for the SCIs as there are many Quadriplegic patients travelling with us as well hence the first thing we need to do after reaching there is to let them take proper rest to avoid any further complexities like UTI, bed sores, etc. Packing Essentials Pack all the necessary medications and useful things like comforters , gel cushions etc. which will help to avoid problems like swelling, pain and discomfort. Some individuals with SCI do CIC for urination so for them it is very essential to pack a proper bag with all the necessary items like catheters, gloves, sanitizer, etc. Visit the Bhavan It’s the most challenging part of the trip as there are so many obstacles in between like to take Parchi (entry pass) to visit the temple, to complete around 15km trek with people who are not able to stand/walk on their own to reach the bhavan, and most importantly to do the Darshana of Mata and seek blessing in such crowd.Earlier, we were planning to take our patients to the Bhavan by helicopter but as wheelchairs are not allowed in helicopter we had to drop this plan and then we booked Palkis as our alternate option. Executing the Plan After planning our itinerary we are all set to get started with our journey. We started from Delhi around 5-6 PM in the evening and stopped in Jammu in one of the Ashram and afterwards we reached our destination that is Katra in the afternoon. Thereupon our team reached out to Shrine board to inform them about our initiative and seek help from them for VIP Darshan and surprisingly they agreed on the same. First day in Katra Once we reached Katra, we let our patients take adequate amount of rest and then in the evening around 7PM we started our trek to the Bhavan along with our patients. As the Yatra route is open 24×7 so one can start their trek whenever they want. Furthermore, we shifted our patients in the Autorickshaw and reached Bhanganga (where we have to start our trek) thereafter as per the planning SCIs have started the stretch till the Bhavan by Palki and their attendants or family members along with our team have started the trek on foot. We are almost around 30 people so it was almost impossible to reach the Bhavan at same time. So, as soon as our patients reached the Bhavan we started taking them inside the Bhavan one by one. There was around 15-20 stairs which was a big hurdle for us but somehow with the blessings on Mata we reached inside the Bhavan and that’s how our patients did the Darshan and seek the blessings. It took us whole night to complete the Darshan of all the patients and get back to our hotel. Second day in Katra On the second day we reached back to hotel around 10 AM in the morning and everyone was so tired so we decided not to do much and let our patients take rest. In the evening the patients explored the Katra market and that’s how we ended our second day. Third day in Katra To take some memories from the trip we took our patients to one of the nearby hill station (PATNITOP) and with all those breathtaking views and abundant memories we reached back to Delhi the next morning and completed our trip. It was a wholesome experience for our team as well as our patients and their family members or attendants. Conclusion After completing our trip to Maa Vaishno Devi temple successfully I can surely say that it was not at all easy, indeed we faced a lot of difficulties in between but with the proper planning we completed our trip and the memories are going to stay with all of us for our lifetime.If we can do it anyone can do it. SCI is never the barrier it’s your mind and the society who forces you to think that you cannot do it. So, never let anyone decide for yourself if you want to travel and explore places post SCI just plan it properly and go for it and set examples for others.

The journey of recovering from a spinal cord injury (SCI) is often described as a roller coaster ride with a lot of ups and downs. The early days of rehabilitation are marked by intense focus, rapid learning, and visible progress. However, as time goes on, many individuals experience a phase of stagnancy—a period where progress slows, and the path forward seems unclear. This stagnancy phase can be mentally and emotionally challenging, leading to feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and even mental breakdowns. Understanding the reasons behind this phase, recognizing the symptoms and learning how to overcome it can make a significant difference in this challenging part of recovery journey. Reasons and Symptoms The Stagnancy phase can be caused because of various reasons. Sometimes, it can be personal, phycological or physical depending upon the situation. We will walk you through some of the reasons to make you understand better about this phase. The stagnancy phase can be one of the most difficult times in a individual’s recovery as it not only tests physical resilience but also mental and emotional endurance. This phase can affect the individual in various ways, and recognizing the symptoms is important for addressing and managing it effectively. So, pointing down some of the symptoms of stagnancy phase in the SCI recovery. Overcoming the stagnancy phase Every individual has a different way to tackle this challenging phase of their SCI journey. So, its very important for every individual to understand how to navigate through this phase to overcome it . Additionally, it is equally important to understand that this phase is a part of SCI journey to maintain the momentum and keep going with the recovery journey.Here are some strategies for dealing with the obstacles that arise during this though phase : Conclusion The Stagnancy phase in SCI recovery is a difficult but common part of the SCI journey. By recognizing the right strategies one can navigate through this challenging time with strength and determination. Remember, recovery is not always about making big strides; sometimes it’s about finding the strength to keep going, even when progress seems slow. With patience, perseverance and believe in yourself you can overcome the challenges of this phase and continue moving forward on your path to recovery.

Quality of Life After Spinal Cord Injury: Navigating to New Normal Spinal cord injury is a life-altering event, often causing profound changes not only physically but also emotionally and socially. The impact on quality of life varies significantly among individuals based on different factors like level and severity of injury, one’s mental endurance and access to rehabilitation. Despite these challenges, many people with SCI find ways to adapt, thrive, and redefine their quality of life. This blog explores the factors that contribute to quality of life after SCI and offers insights into how individuals can navigate their new normal. Factors that Affect Quality of Life Post SCI A lot of people are not aware about SCI and how it affects the quality of life. But as soon as they return from hospital and try to get back to their normal life they realize the impact . Although you can move on with life and improve the quality of life with the help of rehabilitation. We will walk you through some of the factors that can effect quality of life after SCI: Ways to Improve Quality of Life Post SCI SCI comes with so many challenges and complications but with right strategies and resources one can enhance their quality of lifeBelow, we’ll discuss several tips to promote a better quality of life after SCI. Conclusion Life after a spinal cord injury may come with significant changes and challenges, but it also offers opportunities for growth, connection, and redefining what quality of life means. By focusing on physical health, emotional well-being, social connections, access to resources, and personal purpose, individuals can create a fulfilling and meaningful life despite the hurdles.

Recovery after a spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex and highly individualized process. The extent and pace of recovery can vary widely, depending on the severity of the injury, its location, and the treatments pursued. While some individuals may regain significant function, others may face lifelong challenges. This blog will explore the factors that influence recovery, the types of recovery that are possible, and strategies to maximize your potential for improvement. Types of Spinal Cord Injuries: Complete vs. Incomplete Understanding the difference between complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries is crucial to setting realistic recovery expectations. Complete SCI In a complete injury, there is a total loss of sensation and motor function below the level of the injury. This means that the spinal cord is unable to send signals past the point of injury. While some improvements may occur, full recovery of function is generally not possible. Incomplete SCI In an incomplete injury, there is some degree of preservation of sensation or movement below the level of injury. Recovery outcomes are generally better with incomplete injuries, as there is some ability for nerve signals to travel through the injured area. Factors Influencing Recovery Several factors can influence the extent of recovery after an SCI, including: Phases of Recovery Recovery after SCI often follows a series of phases, though each person’s journey is unique. Potential for Recovery: What Can Be Regained? The potential for recovery after SCI varies widely. Here are some common areas where recovery can occur: Strategies to Maximize Recovery While the extent of recovery is often uncertain, there are several strategies that can help maximize your potential: