Spinal cord injury prevention
Many spinal cord injuries can be prevented by using safe practices at work and at play.
- Follow correct safety procedures and use protective equipment in the workplace.
- Regular exercise, good posture and lifting heavy objects in the right way (letting your leg muscles do most of the work) all help prevent spinal injuries.
- In recreation, warm up thoroughly and use appropriate techniques and equipment when playing sports.
- Check the depth of water before diving in, and examine the general area for any obstacles before diving and skiing.
- When on the roads, practise defensive driving and always wear a seatbelt. Never drink alcohol or take drugs and drive and don't travel in a vehicle that is being driven by a person under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Remember to wear an approved helmet when bike riding, skateboarding, roller-blading and motorbike or trailbike riding.
- Don't take unnecessary risks when horse riding, snow or water skiing, rock climbing, hang-gliding or trampolining.
There is no cure for spinal cord injury—there is prevention
Alice (aged 16)
Alice was the front seat passenger with her boyfriend John, a young, inexperienced driver, at the wheel. They were on their way home from a friend's party where John had had a few drinks. Just a few streets from home, he lost control of the car coming round a corner and skidded into a power pole. Alice's head was whipped back and forth, damaging her spinal cord and leaving her a quadriplegic. She copes, but would give anything not to have accepted that lift.
Rupert (aged 20)
Rupert was just 20 years old when he was driving to work one wet, winter day. Ten minutes late, he was driving faster than he knew he should have been on the slippery roads, when he skidded out of control. Without a seatbelt, Rupert was thrown through the windscreen and landed heavily on his back. He spent the next 7 months in hospital adjusting to life as a paraplegic, but is certain that had he been wearing a seatbelt, he would be walking today.
Mark (aged 13)
Mark was having fun with friends at the lake on his Uncle's farm. After walking along the banks from their usual swimming spot, he came across a small mound of rocks about a metre off the ground. Ready for another swim, Mark climbed up and dived into the water landing on some hidden rocks. He was dragged from the water and awoke in the Austin Hospital Spinal Unit to the shattering news that he was a quadriplegic.
Last Reviewed: 24 January 2003
