Spinal Cord Injury

DON’T be tempted to “just dive in”.
It’s one of those hot, humid summer days and you are probably relaxing at the beach or a lake with one of yours friends. Maybe you have been drinking a little. Someone dares you to jump into the water, or maybe there is a competition among your friends. Only you don’t know how deep the water is or if there is anything on the bottom of the lake. You dive in, head first, and the next thing you know you are in an ambulance or in the hospital and you have broken the bones in your neck. That’s if you are lucky and the lifeguards were able to pull you out, otherwise you won’t have made it at all. Remember, the lifeguards will be gone for the season after Labor Day weekend.
Every summer this happens to many fun loving, young and healthy individuals. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports 12,500 new injuries each year mostly among males and occurring most often during the summer. What you might not realize when you are having so much fun is that if you damage your neck you may not be able to ever walk again, toilet independently, dress or feed yourself. This is permanent. Life will never be the same.
This video speaks to the issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCq7H4y2Qrc
Please be careful and think before you jump or dive.
Dr. Elaine Rosen PT, DHSc, OCS, is a Professor in the Hunter College Department of Physical Therapy. She specializes in orthopedic problems, particularly of the spine. She is board certified as an orthopedic clinical specialist and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. She maintains a private practice in both Forest Hills, Queens and Manhattan