Greater Boston Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association

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Peer-reviewed fact sheets and videos designed to help people living with spinal cord injuries manage daily care and maximize independence by medical and clinical experts in SCI care, patient education, and research. Information provided undergoes systematic review from medical experts to ensure accuracy and currency with best-practice research.

Sources include the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s LIFE Center and the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center which both provide fact sheets on topics specific to spinal cord injury – anatomy and physiology, nerve function, and levels of injury. Understand common terms such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, tetraplegia, complete and incomplete injuries.

Discover best-practice techniques in mobility and safe transfers, information on bowel and bladder function, surgical alternatives for bladder management, skin care and pressure sores, respiratory health, autonomic dysreflexia, spasticity, and pain management. Find additional information on maintenance of manual and power wheelchairs, exercise after spinal cord injury, options for adaptive sports and recreation, tips to minimize depression, and adjustment to life after spinal cord injury.   

Fact sheets to support social and emotional wellness include topics on sexuality, dating and relationships, employment and education, peer support, and managing caregiver stress.

Greater Boston Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association  The Greater Boston Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association is a 501 (c) (3) organization working to reach, inspire, support and empower individuals and their families affected by spinal cord injury and paralysis throughout Massachusetts.  GBC provides access to resources, vital information, peer visitors, advocacy and educational information. From the moment of injury, GBC provides one-on-one services to the newly injured and those around them as they learn to cope with dramatic change and adjust to post-injury life. Although the GBC is based in Massachusetts, their website is a great resource for everyone.  Their nationally recognized Peer Visitor and Mentor Program provides positive role models to those who are newly injured and their families.