Sami Ullah, MDA medical condition called autonomic dysreflexia (AD) can happen to people who have had a spinal cord injury, especially if the injury is above the T6 level. It is marked by a quick rise in blood pressure that could be dangerous and needs to be treated right away. Here are some useful tips...Continue Reading

The Model System Knowledge and Translation Center (MSKTC) is a national center that helps facilitate the knowledge translation process to make research meaningful to those with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Burn Injury. Last newsletter, we featured the Factsheet on mental health awareness.  This month, we wanted to feature a source on adaptive...Continue Reading

by Kim Anderson, PhD It can be scary to think about navigating various transportation options while living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), but getting out of your home can lead to some really wonderful life experiences.  Start with small steps and build your confidence with each experience.  The first step is learning about all...Continue Reading

By Megan Hammond Nechols If you do have access to a private car, truck, van, or other vehicle (we will use ‘car’ for this article), the possibilities are endless. Traveling by car offers freedom and flexibility, but it can also present unique challenges for those living with spinal cord injuries. Ensuring comfort, safety, and accessibility...Continue Reading

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections, such as COVID-19.  Your level of injury and time since injury impact the function of your respiratory system.  Good nutrition can help decrease your risk of respiratory infections and aid in the treatment of infections when they occur.   While antibiotics...Continue Reading

A pressure injury is a wound caused by constant pressure on the skin.  As a person with a spinal cord injury (SCI), the risk of getting a pressure injury is very high. Pressure injuries can develop in just a few days or even a few hours, they don’t heal like normal skin, and a person...Continue Reading

The Model System Knowledge and Translation Center (MSKTC) is a national center that helps facilitate the knowledge translation process to make research meaningful to those with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Burn Injury. In previous articles, we have featured the Factsheets on Autonomic Dysreflexia, Managing Pain, Wheelchair Information, and more.  The next resource...Continue Reading

Healthy living is a comprehensive approach to well-being that embodies various aspects of mental, emotional, and physical health. It can involve a range of practices beyond diet and exercise. Allowing yourself to explore alternative therapies can assist with pain management, stress, and overall body balance. Here are a few alternative methods for you to try. Continue Reading

Peristalsis is the involuntary muscular contraction that moves digested food through the intestines.  Spinal cord injury (SCI) changes your peristalsis.  Instead of food passing through the body every 18-24 hours after eating a meal, for those with spinal cord injury it can be up to twice as long. Regular bowel movements are essential to remove...Continue Reading

This past January was the 28th anniversary of my injury. It’s hard to believe that I’ve spent more than half my life in a wheelchair, though I still remember the day as if it were yesterday! There are some years that go by and I completely forget the date until it’s passed. But during this...Continue Reading