Your SCI rehabilitation journey can be long and often unpredictable. Some spinal cord injury sufferers spontaneously walk years after their injury. Others are never able to move again. While medical science can do a lot to predict what might happen in a particular case, there are no guarantees when it comes to spinal cord injuries. What we do know is that a healthy lifestyle, sound psychological health, family support, and receiving treatment at a model system of care can all improve the outcomes.

Physical Recovery

There is no single definition of physical recovery. Though many spinal cord injury survivors do regain some degree of function, some don’t. Thus, focusing solely on physical recovery can leave you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed.

Some common milestones for physical recovery include:

·        Recovering from surgery;

·        Regaining some sensation below the site of the injury;

·        Regaining some movement below the site of the injury;

·        Learning to use assistive devices such as wheelchairs and prostheses;

·        Finding new ways to complete old tasks; for instance, you might change your approach to having sex or making food;

·        Strengthening your body, so you can work around your injuries. You can learn to type with a part of your body other than your hands, for instance.

Psychological Recovery

Spinal cord injury guides, as well as doctors, lawyers, and family members, often focus on physical recovery. But this dogged fixation can actually undermine your psychological recovery. Poor psychological health can worsen your physical health, and believing that physical rehabilitation is the most important part of a happy life undermines psychological well-being. It is possible to be happy even in the face of a painful injury. Indeed, one study found that 86% of quadriplegics rated their lives as better than average.

This attitude can take some time to cultivate, but once you've mastered it, you may realize that happiness comes from within, and the way you think about things affects the way you perceive them. Spinal cord injuries are challenging, and there is no shame in seeking psychological help. Many survivors struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, but with family support and professional help, you can find new ways to live a life you love.