Spinal Cord Injury

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  • permalinkBody Image and Spinal Cord injury

    Kjacks34

    Posted on: Sun, Nov 22 2009 5:01 PM

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    I am a T12-L1 paraplegic and I have been researching body image. There isn't that much information out there about this issue. Most sources just say 'yes there are changes in body image, attractiveness, and appearance after a spinal cord injury' but other than that there is not actual information. How do others feel about these things after their injury? Is there a general process that people go through to adapt; is it similar to before your injury? Still hate your thighs or think your arms aren’t muscular enough? 

    Kristen B. Jackson
    Saint Louis University
    Psychological Trainee
  • permalinkRe: Body Image and Spinal Cord injury

    ArkanzanWheeler

    Posted on: Thu, Jan 7 2010 6:04 PM

     Your body image will change, you are going to be moving less of your body than before so even your daily activities are only half the workout.  But working out the muscles that you do still have and watching your diet will help a lot.  Everyone is different, that is why there is not much information out there.  Just remember that it will be harder to lose the weigh that you gain now so keeping it off will be very helpful.  I just recently picked up a watch at Walmart that reads my heart rate and give an estimated calories burned so I can try and keep it about even with what I eat for that day.  Before I was hurt I could burn over 3000 calories a day but now it is under 2000.  Good Luck