At-Risk Activities
Motor vehicle accidents are a huge cause of spinal injury, so seat-belt usage and safe, alcohol-free driving are important to reducing the chance of a spinal injury. Prevent falls, another leading cause of spinal injuries, by: wearing proper shoes with good soles, making sure banisters are tightly secured and installing window guards to reduce the chance of secondary injury should a fall occur. Exercising the muscles used in balance is a wonderful preventive measure. Keeping firearms unloaded and ammunition in a different location will keep spinal injuries caused by firearms to a minimum. For all sports and recreational activities, avoid head-first maneuvers like diving into unknown depths, sliding into first base and tackling head first. Wearing a helmet during sports can also save lives and prevent injuries.
Muscular Strengthening
Strengthening back muscles can help prevent spinal injury, but strengthening abdominal muscles can be even more effective as a preventive measure. With a strong core, balancing and weight bearing movement will be distributed more evenly between the back and the abdominals, and the muscle groups will work together instead of being stressed individually.
Diet
Many people suffer from bowel management issues after a spinal cord injury. To help bowels move more naturally, take care to eat a variety of foods and to drink plenty of liquids. Incorporate foods into the diet that can help soften or harden bowel movements (raw vegetables, dark chocolate, whole grains, cereal and beans will soften while applesauce, dairy, white bread and white creams and sauces will harden). Maintaining a healthy and diverse diet will increase comfort and provide the body with the fuel required to heal.
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