What Wheelchair Products Should I use if I Have a Spinal Cord Injury?

Those who spend their lives in a wheelchair face many obstacles that others don’t. Finding ways to make life more manageable is often at the forefront of their minds. Luckily, more and more companies are catching on to the fact that wheelchair users want to participate in the activities that able-bodied people do on a day-to-day basis. There are many helpful products for wheelchair users out on the market to make this a reality. Below you will find some of the best wheelchair products for those with a spinal cord injury.

Wheelchair Cushions

Spending a large majority of your day sitting on the same seat can lead to a host of issues. Sores, skin breakdown, and even ulcers are common issues that wheelchair users must deal with. For this reason, having a comfortable and therapeutic wheelchair cushion is a must. There are a number of different types of cushions out there. Comfort cushions are just that, cushions that are created to make your wheelchair a more comfortable place to be. Gel cushions are created to prevent pressure ulcers. They will remain cool and comfortable during periods of extended sitting, which is a necessity for those with a spinal cord injury. A positioning cushion is meant to correct postural discrepancies before they become a problem for those with a disability that leads to improper posture. No matter the type of cushion you need, there is sure to be a wheelchair cushion option that will work.

Wheelchair Trays

When going about your daily tasks, there are several reasons that you may need a surface in front of you. From eating a quick meal to typing up a paper, a table or desk is often essential. However, for those with a wheelchair that has extended armrests, it can be difficult to pull up to a surface that will work. There are many wheelchair trays that attach easily to your wheelchair that allow you conveniently work or eat with no hassle. There are many different types of wheelchair trays out there to suite basically any need you may have.

Transfer Boards

There will be several times throughout your day that you will need to transfer from your wheelchair to the toilet, the car, or another seat. This process can be incredibly taxing and leave you feeling worn out. A quality transfer board is a great way to make this process less exhausting. A transfer board is typically a flat, rigid board made of a durable material that can support your weight. Moving from seat to seat with a transfer board requires less upper body strength and can be done without using your legs. While the use of a transfer board may require some assistance in the beginning, you will likely be able to use the board to easily transfer between seats on your own at some point, depending on the severity of your injury.