Spinal injury care

Spinal Injury Care

Sustaining a spinal injury is life-changing, requiring physical, social, and emotional adjustments. Whether adapting to new mobility needs or shifting dynamics at home, it can be an extremely daunting time.  

As such, it’s normal to feel anxious – or even frightened about the future. But you don’t have to face these changes alone.  

We provide compassionate spinal injury care, tailored to your unique needs.  

What Is a Spinal Injury?

A spinal injury is any type of damage to the spinal cord; often sustained in a traumatic injury such as an accident. They’re also triggered by non-traumatic injuries such as tumours, blood clots, and haemorrhages. No matter the cause, spinal injuries are serious, often requiring significant aftercare.  

The spinal cord contains nerve cells that transmit messages from the brain to the muscles, skin, and organs. These cells also control sensations in the body such as temperature, pain, and texture. A spinal injury disrupts these messages, resulting in loss of sensation and movement. 

The extent and duration of this loss depends on the nature of the injury. In cases of partial damage, some sensation and movement will return, but this may take up to two years. Where damage is total, the loss of function is often permanent.  

Common Spinal Injury Symptoms

Spinal injuries present in a variety of ways, so it’s important to be mindful of any changes in sensation. Common spinal injury symptoms include: 

• Pain in the neck (especially after an injury) 

• Difficulty moving limbs 

• Burning, tingling, or other abnormal sensations 

• Loss of bladder control 

• Loss of bowel control 

• Bruising of the skin over the spine 

• Problems breathing 

Severe spinal injuries result and paralysis and loss of sensation, increasing the risk of: 

• Pressure sores 

• Hypothermia (lowered body temperature) 

• Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) 

• Stroke 

• Injuries caused by muscle spasms 

Types of Spinal Injury Care

We tailor our spinal injury care to your unique needs; helping you live with dignity and freedom.  

Whether it’s a sympathetic ear, support with bathing and dressing, or help with medication, our dedicated staff provide personalised support. We work with you to devise a unique care plan, focusing on achievable goals. This might include: 

• Managing medication 

• Help with bathing a dressing 

• Catheter care and continence management 

• Dietary support (ensuring a healthy diet and regular fluid intake) 

• Support with household chores such as cleaning, laundry, and shopping 

• Social and emotional support 

• Support with rehabilitation 

A spinal injury requires personalised support. Get in touch today to see how we can help you.  

Further information is available from the Spinal Injuries Ireland.