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Hayward/Fremont Medical Centers
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
 

Spinal Cord Injury

Approximately 200,000 individuals in the United States have spinal cord injuries. Every year, approximately 10,000 people sustain new spinal cord injuries. Most of these people are injured in auto and sports accidents, falls, and industrial mishaps. An estimated 60 percent of these individuals are 30 years old or younger, and the majority of them are men.

If you or someone you know has just suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI), you will have many concerns and questions about the injury and how it will affect your life. By nature, an SCI has a very sudden impact on an individual, physically as well as emotionally and socially. It is crucial to remember that many other people have experienced SCI and have continued to lead happy and productive lives.

In order to resume a full and satisfying life as quickly as possible, you must become an active participant in your recovery. Many health-care professionals—including physicians, therapists, and nurses—are available to help you learn about your injury and your options for rehabilitation. Your family and friends can provide essential emotional support during your recovery and rehabilitation. Countless resources are now available for individuals with SCI to help them return to an active life.

National Institutes of Health Medline Plus
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
Paralysed Veterans of America
Miami Project
Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Foundation
Educational Brochures from Craig Hospital, SCI and TBI Rehabilitation
Can I drive again?

 


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