Managing Energy Levels after SCI

This isn't one of the commonly mentioned associated issues that occurs with Spinal Cord Injury but it is often an issue for many with SCI. Personally, this is an issue for me especially as I like to be active and busy but this comes at a cost and I am sure that I am not alone in this.

There is sometimes a temptation to 'keep up' with our friends, our family rather than holding anyone up or needing assistance. Over using muscles, joints and ligaments that have to do the work of those without function, all takes its toll. Dealing with less sleep than we should have due to spasticity and pain, dealing with pain at any time of the day is tiring.

Also negotiating non accessible places in a wheelchair can be greatly tiring.

So how can we manage our energy levels?

For a start, it helps to be as fit as we can be, eat healthy and exercise as much as possible.

Pace yourself, there is nothing to prove by overdoing things.

Drink enough water

Sleep as best you can and/or rest 

Be sure to have the best pain management that you can possibly have.

This extract is taken from a study on this subject, the actual report is a worthy read:Source