Exercises for Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injury can occur to any area of the spine, including the cervical, thoracic or lumbar areas or the neck, chest or lower back. Where the injury occurs will determine what symptoms or loss of function a person experiences. For example, a person with a cervical spinal column fracture may experience loss of function below the neck, or he may heal with complete recovery of his body. The type, severity and prognosis for spinal cord injuries determine the physical therapy or exercise approach for each individual patient.

Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries almost always cause some kind of loss of function below the site of the injury, according to the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. Spinal cord injuries are considered to be complete or incomplete, meaning that partial or temporary damage to the spinal cord, or as in the case of complete injury, severe and sometimes permanent damage to the spinal cord. The cervical spinal cord is made up of 8 vertebrae, while the thoracic is made up of 12, the lumbar 5 and the sacral area 5 vertebral bone structures that allow for movement and flexibility while at the same time protecting the spinal cord from injury. A number of exercise approaches may be appropriate, depending on the location, extent and severity of damage to the spinal column or cord.
Exercises for Spinal Cord Injuries
Several types of exercises are generally incorporated into an exercise program for someone who's experienced a spinal cord injury, according to the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. These exercises can include but are not limited to cardiovascular, weight or strength training and aerobic conditioning, all of which can be adapted by physical therapists for those in wheelchairs. Range of motion exercises as well as stretching and balancing exercises help promote muscle and joint health and flexibility.
Exercising helps prevent atrophy of muscle tissues, though some atrophy or loss of muscle mass usually occurs following inactivity caused by conditions like paralysis. Exercise and movement also encourages circulation of nutrients and blood to all areas of the body, helps prevent bed sores or decubitous ulcers and promotes movement, independence and adaptive mobility to those experiencing partial paralysis. Physical therapy and exercise begun as soon as swelling surrounding a spinal cord fracture is reduced may promote healing and some or complete restored function to areas of the body affected by the spinal cord injury.

Passive range of motion exercises can be done by a physical therapist or other care provider to gently move or rotate a person's joints in order to maintain mobility, range of motion, and prevent contractures. Range of motion exercises help promote circulation and help keep joints flexible, though this type of exercise doesn't make muscles stronger, according to Drugs.com.