Spinal cord injury resources for patients, family members, and caregivers
In this section, Shepherd Center shares a wealth of spinal cord injury-related educational materials for patients, families, and caregivers.
Here, you’ll find printable guides, instructional videos, and links to trusted resources covering essential topics like daily care, mobility techniques, and medical concerns.
Please note: The information provided on this website is not meant to replace the advice and recommendations from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding specific medical conditions or treatment.
Downloadable resources
- Learning About Paralysis (PDF)
- Learning About Paralysis in Spanish (PDF)
- Reducing Spinal Cord Injury Complications (PDF)
In this section
- Introduction to spinal cord injury: Understanding spinal cord injury and types of injuries
- Personal health and hygiene: Bladder care, bowel care, nutrition, respiratory health, and skin care.
- Positioning and mobility: Bed mobility, body mechanics for caregivers, splinting and bracing, transfer techniques, weight shifts, and wheelchair positioning
- Medical concerns: Autonomic dysreflexia, deep vein thrombosis, dizziness and swelling, heterotopic ossification, lymphedema, medication management, spasms, temperature, and trouble swallowing
- Living with spinal cord injury: Coping and adjustment, building resilience, equipment, sexuality, home exercises, women’s health resources, and upper extremity reconstruction