Between 250,000 and 400,000 Americans suffer from some type of spinal cord injury. Every year, there are approximately 11,000 new spinal cord injuries. That’s 30 new injuries daily. Most spinal cord injuries occur as a result of an auto accident or a sports related injury. There is no cure for spinal cord injury. Once it has been damaged there is no cure. That’s why prevention is so important. Here are 8 steps the National Spinal Cord Injury Association recommends to avoid this type of injury:
1. Always follow safe practices at work and at play.
2. Follow correct safety procedures and use recommended safety equipment at work
3. Regular exercise, good posture, and proper lifting techniques help prevent injuury
4. Before exercise, make sure you warm up properly and thoroughly
5. When swimming, check the depth of the water before attempting to dive
6. When on the roads, practice defensive driving and never drink alcohol or use drugs
7. Wear an approved helmet when biking, skateboarding, or roller blading
8. Don’t take unnecessary risks