---
title: Southern California Spinal Cord Injury Model System
description: On the West Coast, the Southern California Spinal Cord Injury Model System at Ranchos Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center is the go-to SCI Model System Center for the SCI community.
image: https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Southern%20California%20Spinal%20Cord%20Injury%20System.jpg
---

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# Southern California Spinal Cord Injury Model System

 Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors)

 Publish Date: June 11, 2021

![Southern California Spinal Cord Injury System](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Southern%20California%20Spinal%20Cord%20Injury%20System.jpg?width=726&name=Southern%20California%20Spinal%20Cord%20Injury%20System.jpg)

On the West Coast, the Southern California Spinal Cord Injury Model System at Ranchos Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center is the go-to SCI Model System Center for the SCI community. One of the oldest SCI Model System Centers, the Southern California Spinal Cord Injury Model System Program's goal is to support a whole host of important issues, from helping with community re-integration to cutting-edge collaborative research. 

The Southern California Spinal Cord Injury Model System also has resources on spinal cord injuries for both the patient and family. They offer important services to the spinal cord injury community such as accessible transportation to doctors' appointments or their wellness center. To learn more about this important spinal cord injury model system for this region of the US, continue reading about the Southern California Spinal Cord Injury Model System below.

** **

## **Collaborative Research**

 ![manager-leading-brainstorming-meeting](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/manager-leading-brainstorming-meeting.jpg?width=4497&name=manager-leading-brainstorming-meeting.jpg)

There are always several ongoing research projects happening at the Southern California Spinal Cord Injury Model Center. Currently, they have an independent trial titled "A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate Two Prevention Programs for Maintenance of Shoulder Health and Function after Spinal Cord Injury.”

 

They also have an independent trial looking at how diet affects people with paralysis. This study is titled "Utilizing a Low-Carbohydrate/High-Protein (LC-HP) Diet to Improve Metabolic Health in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury." They have several joint research projects as well. One is titled "Interactive Telehealth and Biofeedback Sensor System for Pressure Ulcer Prevention after SCI." There also are currently recruiting for this study.

 

They’re currently recruiting for a trial to evaluate two different programs for physical activity for manual wheelchair users who have a spinal cord injury. This study is titled, "A Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial to Evaluate Two Programs for Promotion of Physical Activity after Spinal Cord Injury in Manual Wheelchair (MWC) Users." If you're interested in participating, click here: [https://www.ranchoresearch.org/site-specific-research](https://www.ranchoresearch.org/site-specific-research) 

 

## **Resources**

![confident-applicant-being-judged-by-interviewing-hr-managers](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/confident-applicant-being-judged-by-interviewing-hr-managers.jpg?width=5616&name=confident-applicant-being-judged-by-interviewing-hr-managers.jpg)

The Southern California Spinal Cord Injury Model System at Ranchos Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center offers several helpful resources for the spinal cord injury community. One of their most public resources is the official newsletter of the Spinal Cord Injury Model System. Published by Rancho, their newsletter is called “SCI on Rancho” and includes tips on managing your body post-injury and other helpful SCI info.

 

Rancho is also home to the Don Knabe Wellness Center, a fully accessible adaptive fitness center located within Rancho. This cutting-edge wellness center offers a huge variety of accessible machines and workout options, including adaptive yoga, pilates, Zumba, rock climbing, skiing, and dance. Membership is just $20/month. And if you're seeking guidance from a peer mentor, they also have their KNOWBARRIERS life-coaching/peer mentoring program. This was developed to help the newly injured achieve their rehab and life goals. Their peer mentors staff the Don Knabe Wellness Center.

 

And lastly, Rancho offers its Rancho Violence Recovery and Prevention Program whose goal is to end violence in the local community (which is the cause of many spinal cord injuries). The program identifies survivors of violence among Rancho patients and helps them through the recovery process. And one of the most popular programs is their Transportation program, which is for those who do not have their own transportation to doctor's appointments. No matter your ability, if you cannot get to your doctor's appointment, Rancho will provide transportation to get you there.

 

- Learn more: [https://www.ranchoresearch.org/scims-welcome](https://www.ranchoresearch.org/scims-welcome) 

**Topics:** Resources, Southern California, Ranchos Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Utilizing a Low-Carbohydrate/High-Protein, Biofeedback Sensor System, Pressure Ulcer Prevention, MWC, Rancho, This cutting-edge wellness center, Zumba, rock climbing, skiing, dance, Collaborative Research, Randomized Comparative Effectiveness, physical activity, Low-Carbohydrate/High-Protein, Interactive Telehealth, Manual Wheelchair, Don Knabe Wellness Center, fully accessible adaptive fitness, yoga

### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries

About the Author

#### Spinal Cord Team

 The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. 

[Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors)

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### Spinal Cord Injury

- [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury)
- [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer)

### Brain Injury

- [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury)
- [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries)
- [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms)
- [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi)
- [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer)

### Finding Treatment

- [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory)
- [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory)
- [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements)
- [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention)

### Legal Options

- [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer)
- [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer)
- [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims)
- [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start)
- [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims)

#### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us)

Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move.

[Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us)

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{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "Article",
  "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic <A href=\"/spinal-cord-injury\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><SPAN style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spinal cord injury</SPAN></A>, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as <A href=\"//www.spinalcord.com/blog/contusion-vs.-concussion-understanding-the-difference\">a contusion.</A> Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.</P>\n\n<H2><STRONG>What Is a Spinal Contusion?</STRONG></H2>\n<IMG src=\"https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=300&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg\" alt=\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\" width=\"300\" style=\"width: 300px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" srcset=\"https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=150&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 150w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=300&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 300w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=450&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 450w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=600&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 600w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=750&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 750w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=900&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"/>\n<P>Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather<I><SPAN style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> unlike</SPAN></I> bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the<A href=\"/blog/contusion-vs.-concussion-understanding-the-difference\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”</A>a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.</P>\n<P>For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.</P>\n<P>A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of <A href=\"http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/spinal_cord_compression_134,13/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">physical symptoms</A> such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.</P>\n<H2><STRONG>Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For</STRONG></H2>\n<P>Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” <A href=\"http://www.healio.com/orthopedics/journals/ortho/2012-1-35-1/%7B7b1ed5f6-d6ca-435e-b69a-dba8a6d7c3c0%7D/spinal-cord-contusions\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">according to Dr. Wong</A>, an orthopedic physician.</P>\n<P>Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” <A href=\"http://www.aans.org/patient%20information/conditions%20and%20treatments/spinal%20cord%20injury.aspx\">(American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016)</A>. Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:</P>\n<UL>\n<LI>Spinal shock — or the &quot;loss of feeling or movement below site of injury&quot; <A href=\"http://www.columbianeurosurgery.org/conditions/spinal-trauma/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><I>(Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) </I></A>that can last between hours and weeks</LI>\n<LI>Loss of bladder or bowel function</LI>\n<LI>Difficulty breathing</LI>\n<LI>Muscle spasticity</LI>\n<LI>Difficulty understanding speech</LI>\n<LI>Problems with attention</LI>\n<LI>Memory challenges</LI>\n<LI>Heart rate and blood pressure problems</LI>\n</UL>\n<P>Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.</P>\n<P>Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.</P>\n<P>If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our <A href=\"/the-simplified-guide-to-understanding-a-spinal-cord-injury\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">guide to understanding a spinal cord injury</A>.",
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"description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

What Is a Spinal Contusion?
Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image
Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For
Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks
Loss of bladder or bowel function
Difficulty breathing
Muscle spasticity
Difficulty understanding speech
Problems with attention
Memory challenges
Heart rate and blood pressure problems
Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.",
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