People with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are at a heightened risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. Because COVID-19 attacks the lungs, those with decreased lung capacity are unable to clear their lungs effectively.
With the risks associated with COVID-19, those in the SCI community are concerned about their vulnerability to the illness and how it is being addressed. One of these concerns is the availability of therapeutic services before and after contracting COVID-19.
Before COVID-19 became a global pandemic, access to rehabilitation therapies was widely available. For some, participating in rehabilitation services served a dual purpose: physical and mental well-being. Once social isolation regulations were enacted, many could not receive the much-needed services. The lack of interaction with others or access to care created adverse behavioral, mental, and physical side effects.
Not everyone is impacted the same by COVID-19. Those in vulnerable populations, like the SCI community, have an increased risk of mental health disorders.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported findings regarding COVID-19’s impact on mental health. The findings showed that those who were infected with COVID-19 experienced detrimental side effects. Some of the side effects include:
The fear of becoming ill or not knowing the status of COVID-19 symptoms, aftereffects, or end of regulations weighed heavily on some. Data released by the CDC finds that mental health disorders are more likely to occur months after infection with COVID-19. Some people are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those with Long-term COVID-19 are at an increased risk of symptoms linked to mental health and brain function.
Members of an SCI support group comprised of those with cervical and thoracic injuries discussed how COVID-19 affected their rehabilitation.