A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing injury that occurs when damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and the body. Depending on the level and severity of the injury, SCI can affect movement, sensation, bladder and bowel function, breathing and many aspects of daily life.
Road traffic collisions, falls from height, sporting injuries, workplace trauma, violence and medical conditions affecting the spinal cord
Weakness or paralysis, altered sensation, pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, balance problems and reduced mobility
Neurological examination with CT and MRI imaging to identify spinal cord damage and associated spinal injuries
Emergency stabilisation, spinal surgery where indicated, medical management, prevention of complications and specialist rehabilitation
Specialist multidisciplinary spinal rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychological support, vocational rehabilitation and lifelong self-management
Neurological recovery is greatest during the first 6–12 months, although functional improvements may continue for several years
Pressure ulcers, urinary infections, spasticity, neuropathic pain, autonomic dysreflexia, respiratory complications and osteoporosis
Recovery from a calcaneal fracture requires patience and progressive rehabilitation. Although bone healing is an important milestone, restoring walking ability, ankle and foot mobility, strength and confidence is equally important in achieving the best possible long-term functional outcome. Delayed recovery or worsening symptoms should prompt further clinical review.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or incident, request a FREE clinical review of the injury and recovery.
Our clinical team will review the information you provide and you’ll receive a copy of the written review.
Emergency stabilisation, neurological assessment, spinal protection and treatment of associated injuries
Medical stabilisation, prevention of complications and commencement of early rehabilitation
Intensive inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation, mobility training and independence with daily activities
Progressive strengthening, wheelchair or walking skills, home adaptation and community reintegration
Continued neurological recovery where possible, vocational rehabilitation and increasing independence
Lifelong exercise, health maintenance, management of long-term complications and ongoing functional improvement
Recovery times vary according to fracture severity, treatment method and individual rehabilitation progress.
Recovery varies greatly. Some people with incomplete spinal cord injuries regain significant walking ability, while others require long-term wheelchair mobility. Rehabilitation aims to maximise independence regardless of neurological recovery.
Specialist inpatient rehabilitation often lasts several weeks to several months, followed by ongoing outpatient and community rehabilitation that may continue for years.
Yes. Regular specialist reviews help manage long-term health, equipment needs, pain, bladder and bowel care and prevention of secondary complications.
Many people successfully return to employment following spinal cord injury. Vocational rehabilitation, workplace adaptations and flexible working arrangements often support this process.
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, muscle strength, bone health, mental wellbeing and helps reduce complications associated with reduced mobility.
Recovery depends on the level and severity of the injury. Many people learn highly effective bladder and bowel management programmes that promote independence and quality of life.
Spinal injury, spinal cord damage, broken back, spine injury.
Successful rehabilitation after spinal cord injury extends far beyond the initial hospital admission. While neurological recovery cannot always be predicted or restored, modern specialist rehabilitation enables many individuals to achieve remarkable levels of independence through expert multidisciplinary care, adaptive technologies and personalised rehabilitation programmes. Early access to specialist spinal services, proactive management of complications and lifelong engagement with rehabilitation remain the strongest predictors of long-term health, participation and quality of life.
For more detailed information about this injury, its treatment and rehabilitation, download our free Rehabilitation Guide.
If you or your loved one has had an injury as a result of an accident or incident, our doctor-led rehabilitation team may be able to help.
We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances and discuss whether rehabilitation could support your recovery.
Medicess works with claimant solicitors, insurers and employers to deliver independent, doctor-led rehabilitation following serious injury.
Whether you need rehabilitation case management or a second opinion, we’re happy to discuss how we may be able to assist.
People interested in this injury also find the following related rehabilitation guides useful:
You may also wish to explore the organisations and publications that informed this guide.