Spinal cord injury support and services

Resources to help people recovering from a spinal cord injury
A spinal cord injury can change how your body interacts with the world, but it doesn’t need to get in the way of a full and meaningful life. People with spinal cord injuries accomplish amazing things every day. And we believe that with the right support, you can too.

Guides to help in your recovery
Having the right support is vital when you’re dealing with health challenges. Your care team and loved ones play an important role. There are also many resources to help guide you through
Depending on your injury, your care team may consist of rehabilitation physicians, therapists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, nurses and other experts from across HealthPartners and Park Nicollet.
Your care team is always ready to assist you and answer questions you have about the recovery process. They’ll also help with assistive technology and provide education about how to manage health conditions that can result from a spinal cord injury.
Our commitment to providing support at every stage of recovery is one of the reasons we’re among the few organizations in the nation recognized as a
This comprehensive care guide includes information about spinal cord injuries, managing medical complications, sexual health, nutrition and wellness, and more.
This workbook provides space to collect your thoughts and questions about the recovery process and how to be successful in your home environment.
Ways to find connection and purpose
Whether it’s reaching out for support from others who have been through it or getting out and having fun, there are things you can do to feel connected and help you stay positive.
Having a spinal cord injury can be stressful and overwhelming, so connecting with someone who has had similar experiences can be helpful. There are opportunities both at HealthPartners and within the community for support.
Where to find peer support groups and mentors
Investing in activities you enjoy is a great way to help restore your sense of self. These activities may include social interactions, reading, movies, swimming, hiking and spiritual activities.
Discounted programs and services
Many local, state and federal agencies offer free or discounted recreational programs for people living with disabilities. Always ask if a recreational program or business offers a discount for you and your attendant. Some movie theaters, museums and entertainment venues will give your companion a discount or free pass if the companion is an attendant.
Outdoor recreation
The National Parks Service offers a
Every state has its own set of permits and regulations for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. Get more information by contacting your state’s Department of Natural Resources.
Other recreational activities
Tips and tools for emotional well-being and mental health
Having a spinal cord injury can bring changes in emotions, behavior and self-image. Think about how you have successfully dealt with difficult situations in the past. Knowing what works best for you, and what does not, can help you gain strength and courage as you recover.
Feelings such as grief, depression, anger and anxiety are common after a spinal cord injury and shouldn’t be ignored. Talk to your care team about what you’re feeling, so they can put together a personalized treatment plan that can help. You may also wish to speak with a rehabilitation psychologist. They are mental health specialists who help people cope with changes as they recover from an injury or illness.
Mental health resources
Taking time to relax is an important part of recovery – the mind and body are closely linked. When your body is tense, you are more likely to be stressed. When your body is calm, you are more likely to feel that you can manage challenges and situations. Relaxation techniques can help calm your body so your mind can be calm, too. Most methods of relaxation start with breathing.
Resources for meditation and relaxation
Your thoughts, feelings and preferences are important as you get support throughout the day. You are more likely to feel better and get the most benefit from rehabilitation when you are understood by others.
Assertive behavior can help you regain control of your life and feel valued. It involves standing up for your rights and expressing what you want without purposely hurting others. Your care team can work with you on being assertive as you connect with your family, doctors and others.
Fitness and exercise after a spinal cord injury
Getting regular exercise after a spinal cord injury plays a large role in physical, mental and emotional health. Physical activity improves muscle mass and circulation, and reduces the likelihood or severity of secondary medical conditions that are more common after a spinal cord injury, such as
Current
You may need to change how you approach
The NeuroWell Individualized Exercise Program focuses on using exercise to improve physical fitness and overall wellness following a neurological diagnosis. All new participants will complete a baseline assessment with an exercise physiologist (a specialist who studies how the body responds to physical activity and designs exercise programs to manage health conditions). The assessment is used to set goals and determine your current level of physical fitness. Participation may include group or private sessions.
For more information, call
The NeuroWell Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Cycling Program uses surface electrodes to generate muscle contractions and stimulate the nervous system after a spinal cord injury. FES cycles help maintain muscle size and strength, improve cardiovascular endurance, increase localized blood flow and improve function after paralysis. To participate in this program, you’ll need a referral from your care team.
For more information, call
- NeuroWell Yoga for Healthy Living. For more information, call
651-495-6704 or emailneurowell@healthpartners.com . - NeuroWell Pool Exercise Program. For more information, call
651-495-6704 or emailneurowell@healthpartners.com . Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute adaptive fitness programs Fit 4 Recovery Mind Body Solutions adaptive yoga
Massage therapy can be a valuable part of a rehabilitation plan for a spinal cord injury. Massage therapy can improve muscle relaxation, circulation, pain, range of motion and mental health. Insurance does not pay for massage therapy, but FSA/HSA accounts may be used with a provider referral.
For more information, call
Working toward independence and top performance
It’s possible to live a full and independent life after a spinal cord injury. Making changes such as using mobility devices and adaptive tools can help you remain active, safe and productive.
Mobility devices help you to be more independent and active by enabling you to shop, travel, work and participate in sports. And by using a mobility device, it may be easier for you to keep pace with others. Your rehab team can make recommendations about which mobility devices are best for you. Different types of mobility devices include:
- Manual wheelchairs –These are wheelchairs that you move using the strength of your arms or legs. Specially designed manual wheelchairs are often used in sports, such as basketball, tennis and racing.
- Power wheelchairs –These wheelchairs have a motor and a control system. They are powered by a battery pack that you need to recharge.
- Braces, crutches and walkers –Depending on your injury and the strength of your body, you may be able to get around with the use of braces, crutches or a walker.
- Scooters – These are typically used by people who don’t always need help getting around. Compared to wheelchairs, scooters cost less but have fewer customization options.
Getting a wheelchair that’s right for you
Whether you always use a wheelchair or only need them some of the time, it’s a good idea to have one that’s fitted for you and your needs. Our expert therapy team can guide you through the complex process of receiving your chair, including navigating insurance coverage and coordinating with the equipment provider.
Once you’ve been fitted with your equipment, we can help with any additional adjustments that may be needed. We’ll assess balance and coordination, mobility, range of motion, sensation, skin integrity, strength, muscle tone and current equipment.
Remember that equipment needs to be adjusted and updated as your needs change over time. Make sure to have your wheelchair reevaluated every 5 to 7 years.
To get help with wheelchair seating and mobility, make an appointment by calling
Many people with spinal cord injuries are able to drive with special modifications to their vehicle. We can help you obtain, maintain or reinstate your class D driver’s license.
Our Driving Ability Program uses clinical pre-driving screenings and on-road evaluations to determine your safety level when operating a motor vehicle. If appropriate, we’ll also provide training on how to use driving aids, such as hand controls, steering options and foot pedal adaptations.
If you’re unable to drive on your own, we’ll help you find
To learn more, call
There are different assistive devices that can make your life easier. Your care team can make personalized recommendations and may be able to help you obtain specialized devices and equipment.
- Positioning equipment –Devices such as backrests and cushions provide support for weakened muscles and help protect your skin.
- Bathroom safety equipment – Options to stay safe in the bathroom include shower benches, commodes and nonstick mats.
- Adjustable beds – Having a bed with an adjustable height and back may make it easier to get out of bed and reposition yourself throughout the day.
- Transfer equipment – Lifts, slings, benches and transfer boards can make it easier to move from one place to another.
- Self-care equipment – There are a range of adaptive tools to help feed yourself, prepare food, dress, toilet and bathe more safely. Some examples include a dressing stick, reaching devices and adapted silverware.
- Splints and braces – These devices can increase function and safety, decrease pain and stiffness, or keep a part of your body from moving during healing.
- Respiratory equipment – Depending on your injury or other health problems, you may need supportive respiratory equipment.
- Environmental controls – You may need devices to help you control your environment, such as adjusting the thermostat, opening doors and turning on lights.
Where to buy health products online
It can feel intimidating to be back in your home after a spinal cord injury, and you may want to make some adjustments to give you peace of mind. The following can help make your home safer for independent living:
- Cover all hot water pipes to prevent burns.
- Set your water heater to below 120°F (49°C) for the hot water setting. Install devices that prevent hot water from burning your skin.
- Make sure all doors swing out rather than in. Doors that swing in can be dangerous if you accidentally fall where you may block someone from opening the door to help you.
- Consider creating a special alert signal to let your neighbors, fire department or police know when you need help right away.
- Have two separate exits in your home in case of emergency. For example, one at the front of your home, and one on the side or in the back.
- Put smoke detectors in your hallway, kitchen, upstairs, basement and bedrooms. If you have difficulty hearing, choose ones that can alert you with lights or vibration.
- Put carbon monoxide detectors in your home. The most important place to put the carbon monoxide detector is in the area where you sleep.
- Put fuse boxes or circuit breakers in a place where you can reach them.
- Make sure you have proper lighting throughout your home.
- Have a phone next to your bed. Carry a cell phone or alert system with you as you move throughout your home, if possible.
- Put a fire extinguisher in your kitchen where you can reach it.
- Be aware of rugs and cords that may be tripping hazards.
- Have flashlights or other lights that use batteries to work. These items will be helpful during a power outage or other emergency.
- Have a backup plan for power in the event of an electrical power outage, especially if you have equipment that uses electricity.
Returning to work after a spinal cord injury can be a significant step in the recovery process. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Return when the time is right for you – How soon you return to work and how much you can do depend on your injury, overall health, and desire to work again. Your care team can help you determine if you’re ready to return to work. They can also make recommendations about assistive technology and workspace adjustments that could help.
- Work with your employer – Discuss any special accommodations you may need before returning to work. Many employers are willing to make adjustments to support your return.
- Be kind to yourself – Returning to work with reduced hours or lighter duties can help you build up stamina. Also make time for self-care and stress management activities, such as meditation.
- Get the support you need – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development offers
vocational rehabilitation services to help people living with disabilities have rewarding careers. Provided services include training and education, guidance and counseling, and job placement.
Managing changes to your health
A spinal cord injury can cause changes to your health and make it more likely that you’ll develop other health conditions. It’s important to pay attention to your body and take steps to control your symptoms and prevent more serious illness.
A spinal cord injury can change how your bowel and bladder function. Having a bladder and bowel program can help people feel more in control and prevent accidents. Your care team can help personalize a bladder or bowel program for you.
Bladder program after spinal cord injury
After a spinal cord injury, you may not be able to control or empty your bladder. A bladder program can help prevent your bladder from filling up too much and keep urine from leaking. Talk to your care team about what makes sense for you, but a typical bladder program includes:
- Limiting beverages to about 8 cups (2 liters) each day.
- Using a catheter to help empty your bladder.
- Trying to pee every 4-6 hours.
Bowel program after spinal cord injury
It may be difficult to control bowel movements after your injury. Following a bowel program can help you have more predictable bowel movements, which can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Your care team can help develop a personalized bowel program that may include the following:
- Use a stool softener or suppository laxative.
- Try to
eat enough fiber (at least 15-30 grams of fiber each day). - Drink plenty of fluids.
- Sit up often and flex your hips to help move your bowels.
- Time your bowel movements (for instance, try to have a bowel movement after every meal).
Sexuality is a word that has many different meanings. Sexuality can be about self-image, attraction or sexual activities such as kissing, touching and sexual intercourse. Sex and sexuality are an important part of life for most people, and how you express sex and sexuality is unique to you.
You may have changes in sexual function related to your injury, but that does not mean sexual activity will end for you. If you are willing to learn what feels good and what’s possible, you can have a satisfying sexual life after a spinal cord injury. As always, your rehab team is a great resource if you have questions – they can recommend positions and products that can help.
Male sexual health and fertility
A spinal cord injury can affect erectile function and fertility. The ability to have an erection is affected by the severity of the injury and where it occurs along the spinal cord. If you’d like help for erectile function, make an
Spinal cord injuries can affect fertility through their effect on erectile function, sperm movement or ejaculation. There are treatments to help with ejaculations. A doctor may also be able to do surgery to collect sperm from your testicles.
Female sexual health and fertility
Lubrication of the vagina is one way the female body prepares for sex. Having a spinal cord injury can affect your body’s ability to lubricate in response to strong emotions or physical touch. Artificial lubricants may help make sexual intercourse safer and more comfortable for you and your partner.
Your spinal cord injury may affect your menstrual cycle at first. Usually, menstruation will return within six months after your injury. You can become pregnant after a spinal cord injury – your injury alone is not likely to affect your ability to have a full-term pregnancy.
Movement and positions
You may need to try different positions to discover what works for you. There is also
Make sure that bladder and bowel function don’t get in the way
If your spinal cord injury has affected bladder or bowel function, prepare your body for sex by following your routine for managing bowel and bladder function before your start. Preparing for sex will help improve your satisfaction with sex. Talk with your partner about your need to prepare for sexual activity.
Resources to help with sexual health after spinal cord injury
PleasureABLE: Sexual device manual for persons with disabilities (PDF) Sexuality after SCI Sexuality and sexual health after your spinal cord injury: Female anatomy (PDF) Sexuality and sexual health after your spinal cord injury: Male anatomy (PDF) Spinal cord injury: Sensual exercises Spinal cord injury: Talking with your partner about sex Spinal cord injury sexual health
Having a spinal cord injury can impact your body’s ability to control your blood pressure. Changes in blood pressure can be serious, so it’s important to know the signs of very high or very low blood pressure and take the appropriate action.
Very high blood pressure from autonomic dysreflexia
Autonomic dysreflexia is a dangerous condition that causes a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure (20 mmHg or more over baseline blood pressure). It’s most likely to affect people with a spinal cord injury that’s at or above the T6 level, and often occurs 2-3 months after the spinal cord injury.
The syndrome is caused when the autonomic nervous system overreacts to a painful sensory input, such as irritation in the bladder wall, a urinary tract infection (UTI), tight clothing or a skin problem. In response to the painful sensory input, the body triggers a “fight or flight” response, causing symptoms such as narrowing of the blood vessels above the level of the injury. This can lead to a dangerous rise in blood pressure that the brain cannot stop.
Symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia include headache, flushed face, sweating above the level of your injury, blurry vision, stuffy nose and nausea.
If you think you are experiencing autonomic dysreflexia, do the following:
- Sit up to lower your blood pressure.
- Loosen tight clothing.
- Check for possible causes, such as a full bladder, bowel issues or skin irritants.
- Monitor your blood pressure.
If you’re able to address source of the autonomic dysreflexia, your blood pressure should lower on its own. But if your condition worsens, consider it an emergency and get medical help as soon as you can.
Very low blood pressure from orthostatic hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is a form of low blood pressure that’s most likely to happen when you are sitting up. Symptoms include nausea, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and having blurry vision. It’s most likely to happen in people who have a spinal cord injury at chest level or higher.
Orthostatic hypotension usually gets better with time. Lying down or lying flat also can help. Orthostatic hypotension sometimes can worsen if you have an infection, such as a UTI.
To avoid very low blood pressure, drink enough fluids and take time as you sit or stand. If you’re frequently bothered by symptoms of low blood pressure, talk to your care team about medications or compression garments that may help.
Resources about blood pressure
The damage to your spinal cord can cause pain and muscle spasms, which can be worsened by emotions such as depression, anger, anxiety and grief. Things that can help include:
- Physical activity – Being active can help reduce your pain. Be as active as you safely can and make time for stretching.
- Relaxation and mindfulness – Pause often during your day to take 10 slow, deep breaths. You may feel a sense of loss with spinal cord injury, so take time to connect with your body. Spend time with yourself and pay attention to the areas of your body that are not affected by your injury.
- Apply heat to muscles – Limit heat to 10 minutes at a time. Watch your skin closely to prevent burns or other damage to your skin, especially in areas where you have decreased feeling.
- Medications – If you’re bothered by muscles spasms, talk to your care team to see if medications could help.
Nutrition is important for overall health, weight control and bone health, and for preventing complications such as pressure injuries, constipation, diarrhea, diabetes and infections.
- Eat nutrient rich foods – Try to eat a variety of foods, focusing on fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors, lean proteins and whole grains. Limit the amount of added salt and sugar in your foods (be sure to check food labels). Food is the best source of vitamins and minerals, but a daily multivitamin supplement may also be helpful. Ask your care team if they recommend one for you.
- Stay hydrated – Staying hydrated helps prevent constipation and UTIs and helps keep your skin healthy. Make sure you drink throughout the day, especially when you feel thirsty. The
color of your pee can be an indicator of whether you’re getting enough to drink – it should be a pale or medium yellow color. If it’s darker than that, you need to drink more. - Eat enough fiber – Fiber-rich fruits, veggies and whole grains are
foods that can help with constipation . A fiber supplement may also be helpful. But keep in mind, that it’s important to increase fiber over time and to increase water intake as you do so. - Choose healthy fats instead of saturated fat –
Healthy fats give your body energy and help with cell growth. A good source of healthy fats are vegetable oils. But it’s best to limit fried foods (even when using healthy fats) since they tend to be high in calories. - Try to follow an eating schedule – Having an eating plan that includes regular meals and snacks can make a huge difference in helping with bowel control. Eating on a schedule also helps with weight management since you’re less likely to overeat at meals.
It’s important to give your body care and attention to ensure that your health isn’t impacted by other illnesses.
- Every day – Check yourself for cuts, wounds and abrasions (such as pressure sores), and let your care team know if you have
wounds that aren’t healing . Also, be on the lookout for UTI symptoms andproblems with constipation . - Every year – Get a routine physical exam that checks your weight and blood pressure, among other things. A yearly
flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine are a good idea for everyone, but it’s especially important if you have an injury to the T8 or higher. It’s also important to check-in with yourphysical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctor to discuss how your rehab plan is working for you. - Every 5-7 years – Talk to your care team about whether you could benefit from a new wheelchair or other mobility device. Not only do our bodies change as we age, but over time, mobility equipment can start to wear down or fit differently, and this can cause health problems (like pressure sores) and make it more difficult to get around. Insurance often helps cover the cost of a new wheelchair every five to seven years but check with your insurance company to see what’s covered for you. You can make an appointment to check wheelchair fit by calling
651-495-6790 . - Every 10 years – Getting a
pneumococcal vaccine every ten years can help prevent pneumonia. It’s especially recommended if you have an injury to the T8 or higher.
Preventive care resources
Spinal cord injury clinical trials
A clinical trial is the way that researchers test whether a medical treatment could be a helpful option for a certain group of people – for example, those who’ve experienced a traumatic spinal cord injury.
In recent years, there have been significant developments in treatments for spinal cord injuries because of research. You can learn more about spinal cord injury research in a
If you’re interested in participating in a research study, talk to your care team, call
Regions Hospital is part of the Minnesota Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System. Model systems are national leaders in medical research and patient care, and provide the highest level of comprehensive specialty services, from the point of injury through rehabilitation and re-entry into full community life. Part of this work is collecting research data on long-term health and psychosocial outcomes after a spinal cord injury in order to improve health outcomes and services.
The HealthPartners institute regularly participates in

Support for caregivers
Being a caregiver for someone with a spinal cord injury is important and rewarding, but it can also be challenging and time consuming. It’s important for caregivers to take care of their physical and mental health, too. Resources are available that can help.
More spinal cord injury resources
Here’s additional information to help after a spinal cord injury from local and national organizations.