Shriners Parade 06/21/03

Spinal cord injuries occur as a result of neck or back injury, and can cause partial or full paralysis. The spinal cord rehabilitation units operated by the Shriners Hospitals are among the few rehabilitation units in the United States that are specifically designed to meet the special needs of children and teenagers.

The Shriners Hospitals provide long-term rehabilitative care and intensive physical, occupational, and recreational therapy, to help children who have suffered spinal cord injury relearn the basic skills of everyday life.

The rehabilitative programs are intense. Patients spend several hours each day learning new ways in which they can meet their everyday needs; to dress, brush their teeth, and feed themselves.

The Shriners Hospitals SCI units are geared to help their young patients develop independence, with units including kitchens, laundry and other facilities, so that patients can learn independent living skills, such as cooking meals and ironing clothes.

The complications of spinal cord injuries are not as simple as being unable to move ones arms or legs. A spinal cord injury can affect the nerves and muscles necessary for normal operation of the gastrointestinal or urinary systems, resulting in bowel, bladder, or skin problems. Shriners Hospital programs prepare children and their parents for these changes.