As human beings, we all will age, but people with spinal cord injuries can be more sensitive to the aging process. This however does not mean you will not grow into your golden years, but it does mean you need to take extra caution in order to stay healthy. From secondary health conditions to the various bodily systems at a higher risk, see what exact ailments you need to be aware of and more importantly, how to prevent them.
From the onset of your injury, you are told by medical professionals how important your diet is to your overall health as someone with paralysis, and this is even more important as you age with a spinal cord injury. Your diet can have a profound impact on your daily life and long-term health. Eating the Mediterranean diet for example is one of the ways to keep your heart healthy and your skin in great shape.
Other people may find veganism a great option, while others eat the Keto diet. Research the diet that you believe will work best for you and try your best to stick with it. What you eat and drink are two of the most important things you can do each day to change and improve the way you age. For people with paralysis, remember that low-fat foods and vegetables and fruits are some of the best things you can eat.
Exercising is more important than ever as you age with a spinal cord injury. You'll experience a decrease in flexibility, strength, and endurance, as well as bone strength as you age. Arthritis might occur as well. To stave off these conditions, low-impact exercise on a regular basis is key. For example, you can lift weights to maintain arm strength or you can use a more low-impact option such as Theraband. Many people enjoy swimming as well, as it is also a low-impact option.
Also, incorporating balance exercises is important since balance can be affected by aging. And if you are an athlete, think about pulling back from certain sports, like wheelchair racing, which can be bad for the joints.
Since the muscles and bones are two areas of the body to keep your eye on as you age, you want to make sure you maintain a healthy weight, which 5-10% less than the standard recommended average for your height if you have a SCI. Maintaining a healthy weight is also helpful in keeping your lungs healthy, as breathing can become more difficult as you age. Weakened lung muscles can occur from lessened activity overall. And by maintaining a healthy weight, you can also maintain a healthy heart, which is something to be aware of since people with spinal cord injuries have a higher chance of heart disease.
Since the natural process of aging causes the body to stiffen, it is important that you maintain your range of motion, at least two times a day, as you age with a spinal cord injury. Tendons and ligaments are also more prone to tearing and bruising and can take longer to heal. You may also feel that your range of motion is not as great, and moving may become more complex. All of this can be prevented however by stretching regularly. You can stretch even more by incorporating adaptive yoga into your life, which many people discover as they get older.
For many people, chronic pain can become worse as they age with a spinal cord injury, and for many people, their pain resonates in their hips and back. An important tool in battling this type of pain as you age is getting specialized seating for your wheelchair, otherwise known as a spinal seating specialist. Having customized seating as you age can also help you feel better overall, and prevents pressure sores. In a pinch, an easy alternative is a wedge pillow, which can help with hip pain.
Chronic pain has long been known as a common side effect of having a spinal cord injury. As you age, this pain can worsen, making independent living activities difficult. Musculoskeletal pain can also occur, and become worse as you get older. But this pain stems from overuse, arthritis, and overuse of the joints. With rest, pain can be managed. Many people use Biofreeze to cope with the pain in affected areas. You can also visit a pain assessment management specialist for nerve pain and a joint assessment specialist for musculoskeletal pain.
The way you sleep, how often and your position becomes essential as you age with a spinal cord injury. Avoid sleeping on your side to avoid putting too much pressure on your shoulders. Your joints become more sensitive as you age and more susceptible to injury, so the less pressure you put on your joints for several hours in a row, the better. Also, try to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep per night. If you need help sleeping, which is common among people with spinal cord injuries, consider sleep-aid supplements like melatonin.
If you live in a state where cannabis is legal, ask your doctor if CBD or cannabis might be a good option to manage your pain. Always start in small doses so that you do not lose your balance and injure yourself.