As a Personal Support Worker (PSW), understanding spinal cord injuries (SCI) is essential to providing safe, compassionate, and effective care. Spinal cord injuries affect how the body functions—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Your knowledge and support can make a significant difference in a client’s quality of life and recovery.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury occurs when damage to the spinal cord results in loss of movement, sensation, or function below the site of injury. The injury can be complete or incomplete and may result from trauma (such as a car accident or fall) or non-traumatic causes (like tumors, infections, or degenerative diseases).
Types of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are classified in two main ways:
1. By Severity: Complete vs. Incomplete
✅ Complete Injury:
- Total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury.
- No voluntary movement or sensation in the affected areas.
- Example: A person with a complete T6 injury cannot feel or move anything below the mid-chest.
✅ Incomplete Injury:
- Partial loss of motor or sensory function.
- The person may retain some feeling or movement below the level of injury.
- Every incomplete injury is unique; some people may walk with support, while others use a wheelchair.
2. By Location: Levels of the Spine
The location of the injury along the spinal cord affects which parts of the body are impacted.
🔹 Cervical Spine (C1–C8) – Neck Area
- Most severe type of SCI.
- May cause tetraplegia/quadriplegia (loss of function in arms, trunk, and legs).
- Can affect breathing, bowel and bladder control, and mobility.
- Clients may need full assistance with all activities of daily living (ADLs).
🔹 Thoracic Spine (T1–T12) – Upper to mid-back
- Affects trunk and legs; arms and hands usually unaffected.
- May result in paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body).
- Clients may have more independence with upper body mobility.
🔹 Lumbar Spine (L1–L5) – Lower back
- Affects legs and hips.
- May retain some walking ability or use of a wheelchair.
- Clients often have better upper body control and independence in ADLs.
🔹 Sacral Spine (S1–S5) – Pelvic area
- Affects hips, pelvic organs, and parts of the legs.
- Bladder, bowel, and sexual function may be impacted.
- Mobility may be less affected than with higher-level injuries.
How PSWs Can Support Clients with SCI
As a PSW, your role includes more than assisting with daily tasks. You are a vital part of the rehabilitation and recovery journey. Here’s how you can help:
🛏️ Mobility and Transfers
- Learn safe transfer techniques (e.g., slide board, hoyer lift).
- Encourage clients to use assistive devices correctly.
🧼 Skin Care and Pressure Ulcer Prevention
- Turn and reposition immobile clients regularly.
- Monitor for signs of pressure sores, especially on heels, hips, and buttocks.
🚽 Bowel and Bladder Care
- Follow care plans for catheter use or bowel routines.
- Maintain hygiene to prevent infections.
🍽️ Nutrition and Hydration
- Support healthy eating habits to promote healing and prevent complications.
💬 Emotional Support
- Acknowledge the emotional impact of SCI.
- Be an active listener and encourage independence wherever possible.
Final Thoughts
Understanding spinal cord injuries empowers you to provide the highest quality of care. Every client is different—by learning about the types of SCI, you’ll be better prepared to meet their physical, emotional, and practical needs. Your role as a PSW is essential in helping clients live fuller, more independent lives.