Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury and disease affects an individual’s ability to function independently in all areas of daily living.

Our Continuum of Care

We understand that a spinal cord injury is an “across the lifetime” disability. That’s why we offer a seamless continuum of care for months — even years — after your initial discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.

UPMC offers one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive rehabilitation networks, with more than 90 rehab facilities providing inpatient, outpatient, and long-term services. Our network ensures that you receive the right level of care at the right time.

Outpatient care for spinal cord injuries at UPMC covers a wide variety of services and programs to help patients accomplish their goals, from gaining additional independence to improved strength and mobility.

Examples of specific outpatient rehab services offered include:

• Adaptive equipment and technology training
• Home and daily living modifications
• Pain and spasticity management
• Wheelchair training
• Family and patient education and support sessions
• Functional mobility and physical rehabilitation

Other forms of therapy and rehabilitation are prescribed based on your progress and goals set with your personal care team.

Cutting-Edge Research and Treatments for Spinal Cord Injuries

Because we're a nationally designated center of excellence in spinal cord care, we are a test site for the latest treatments.

As a result, we're often involved in research studies relating to:

• Cutting-edge drugs that minimize the impact of trauma to the spine
• Interventions meant to improve and repair connections in a damaged spinal cord

Learn more about inpatient spinal cord injury treatment and rehab at UPMC.