Stephen’s story – managing pain with a spinal cord injury
3 July 2024
Meet Stephen:
- A season ticket holder of his local football team
- Loves travelling, and has been to India to watch the cricket
- Enjoys live music whenever he can
Over thirty years ago, Stephen sustained an injury to his spine while playing football – but he had no idea that his spinal column was narrowing, slowly causing damage to his spinal cord.
“Finally, in 2016, I was getting in a van and banged my head. It wasn’t a hard hit, but it resulted in a C3/C6 level incomplete spinal cord injury.”
Stephen shares how he manages pain with a spinal cord injury.
Walking with a spinal cord injury
Not everyone with a spinal cord injury is a wheelchair user. Stephen can walk using a stick but has daily challenges including chronic pain.
“In the early days, the pain was more intense. It wasn’t just pain from my injury or the surgery. I had constant neuropathic pain in my arms, which felt like constant pins and needles. I even remember a young lad saying it felt like he had ‘lemonade in his arms’!
Learning and sharing tips for managing pain
Stephen attended our Next Steps course, designed for and ran by people with a spinal cord injury who can walk. It gives people the chance to try getting around cities independently, in a safe environment. Most importantly, Stephen learned vital tips for pain management.
“The main thing I learned on this course is that, after spinal cord injury, everyone has different experiences with pain. Some people use a lot of medication to manage their pain, and others – due to different tolerances and their level of injury – may not need to.
“It was great just having the chance to sit and talk with others who get it. I was able to share my experiences with pain, and get tips and ideas from others. I think that’s the best way to learn about managing your pain levels – by getting advice from people who have lived it as well.”
Now, Stephen volunteers with Back Up. He hosts the “Walker’s Lounge” at our fortnightly Back Up Lounge – an online space for people affected by spinal cord injury.
“When I host the Walker’s Lounge, we often talk about the ‘Three P’s’ of spinal cord injury – pee, poo, and pain! When you have lived experience, you become experts in those topics, so it’s great to share your knowledge with others.
“The Back Up Lounge is a fantastic tool. It gives people the chance to talk to others who understand, have a laugh, and share useful tips for pain management.”
“I recommend anyone who deals with pain to get in touch with Back Up. The support is out there, and it is a fantastic community of people.”
Do you have a spinal cord injury and are able to walk?
Whether you walk with or without aids, or use a wheelchair some of the time, we are here to help you improve your confidence and lead a more independent life.
Register for our services online or call the team on 020 8875 1805.
