Wheelchair For Spinal Cord Injury: Find Your Perfect Fit

People with spinal cord injuries (SCI) still want to achieve mobility and independence in their daily lives. These life-altering injuries can impact a person's motor functions and sensations, forcing them to use mobility aids like wheelchairs to enhance their quality of life. While standard wheelchairs exist, there are specific types that people with spine injuries must use to achieve better functionality and comfortability.

The Best Wheelchairs for Spinal Cord Injury

Wheelchairs for individuals with SCI are designed to enhance mobility, independence and quality of life. The choice of wheelchair depends on the level of injury, lifestyle and individual needs.

Some of the common types of wheelchairs used by people with spinal cord injuries include:

Manual Wheelchairs

Manual wheelchairs are propelled by the user's arms or sometimes by a health care provider pushing the chair. These are typically used by individuals who have sufficient upper body strength and function, often seen in those with lower-level spinal cord injuries.

Manual wheelchairs are further divided into several subtypes:

• Rigid Frame Wheelchairs. This type of wheelchair has a fixed frame that does not fold but may have removable wheels and components to facilitate transport. Rigid frame wheelchairs are lightweight, typically use titanium or aluminum materials and offer excellent maneuverability and performance.
• Folding Frame Wheelchairs.. These wheelchairs have a frame that can be folded for easy transport and storage. They tend to be slightly heavier than rigid wheelchairs and may not offer the same energy efficiency and maneuverability performance, but they are very versatile.

Tilt-in-Space Wheelchairs

These wheelchairs allow the entire seat and backrest to tilt backward in varying degrees, redistributing pressure away from specific body areas, such as the hips and buttocks. One type of product you can get is Aracent Healthcare's configurable Invacare Solara 3G Tilt-in-Space Wheelchair. It provides exceptional patient comfort and adjustability, making it easier for caregivers to transport the patient.

Caregivers can initiate the -5° to 50° front, middle and rear, utilizing the Tilt Assist technology using the hand or cable-free foot release. It also has a growable seat pan that offers 4" width and depth adjustments to suit the changing dimension needs of the user. But take note that the Invacare Solara 3G wheelchair does not come standard with a seat and back cushion. You must add it to the order or purchase it separately before using the wheelchair.

Power Wheelchairs

Power or motorized wheelchairs are battery-powered and controlled by a joystick or other alternative control systems. These are essential for individuals with higher-level injuries (such as tetraplegia/quadriplegia) who have limited or no use of their upper body strength. Power wheelchairs give users more independence and mobility for people with SCI but require regular maintenance and battery charging.

Reclining Wheelchairs

Reclining wheelchairs can greatly benefit individuals with spinal cord injuries, especially those who require additional support and pressure relief. These wheelchairs feature a backrest that can be adjusted to various angles, allowing users to change their posture and redistribute weight. For people with higher-level spinal cord injuries who may lack trunk stability, reclining wheelchairs provide critical support to prevent the risk of collapsing forward.

If you're looking for high-quality reclining wheelchairs, Aracent Healthcare's Invacare® Tracer SX5 Reclining Wheelchair is a good choice. It offers a dynamic recline range from 90° to 180°, with 16" and 18" frame widths. The wheelchair also has a 16" seat depth and can hold a weight capacity of 250 lbs.

Sports Wheelchairs

Designed specifically for sports and recreational activities, these chairs help users participate in basketball, tennis, racing and other activities. They are usually highly customized and optimized for performance and agility in specific sports.

Standing Wheelchairs

Standing wheelchairs allow users to raise the seat to a standing position. This feature reduces the risk of buttock pressure sores and improves circulation. It even lets the wheelchair user converse at eye level with standing individuals.

Vital Wheelchair Features for Users With SCI

Control Systems for Power Wheelchairs

• Joystick Controls. This offers precise control and eliminates manual wheelchair propelling. It's great for users who have little to no upper body strength.
• Sip and Puff Systems. Allows users with limited upper body movement to control the wheelchair using breath control.
• Head Arrays. Sensors and switches integrated into headrests allow users to control the wheelchair via head movements. This benefits individuals who cannot use their hands or sip and puff.

Custom Seating and Positioning

• Pressure Relief Cushions. It is necessary to prevent pressure sores, which are common among individuals with SCI due to prolonged sitting and reduced sensation.
• Positioning Cushions.These correct postural imbalances that stress the body, like slouching. They also prevent the risk of injuries caused by poor posture.
• Back Support. Adjustable backrests that can conform to the user's specific spinal alignment needs, increasing comfort levels and preventing pressure sores.
• Lateral Supports. These side supports can sustain proper posture and stop the user from leaning to one side, which is needed for spinal alignment and comfort.

Customizable Wheelbase

• Adjustable Axle Position. This allows spinal cord injury patients or caregivers to modify the wheelchair's center of gravity, improving the user's balance and mobility. This is particularly important for SCI users with varying levels of upper body strength.

Power Assist Options

• Power-Assist Wheels. These motorized wheels can be attached to manual wheelchairs, providing extra propulsion support without switching to a fully motorized wheelchair.
• Fully Powered Wheelchairs. Equipped with a joystick or other control interfaces suitable for users lacking sufficient upper body strength.

Reclining and Tilt-in-Space Functions

• Reclining Backrest. It lets the user change their recline position, providing pressure relief and relaxation and even helping with certain health conditions like orthostatic hypotension.
• Tilt-in-Space. It permits the entire seat to tilt backward while maintaining the seated angle, redistributing the weight and drastically lowering the risk of pressure sores without changing the user's posture.

Anti-Tip Devices

• Rear Anti-Tip Wheels. It prevents the wheelchair from tipping backward, providing additional safety for users performing weight shifts or navigating uneven terrain.

Accessories and Additional Features

• Headrests. Customizable headrests can give additional support and comfort, particularly for those with higher-level injuries.
• Storage Options. Pouches, baskets and other storage solutions can help users carry personal items efficiently.
• Lighting Systems. These integrated lights or reflective materials for enhanced visibility and safety are especially important for outdoor use.

Need a Wheelchair for Your Spinal Cord Injury? Choose Aracent Healthcare!

If you are a health professional researching a wheelchair for spinal cord injury patients, or for yourself, Aracent Healthcare can help. Our wheelchairs, specifically the Invacare Solara3G, ensures patients are comfortable while providing excellent functionality. With its Tilt Assist technology and multiple customizable options, wheelchair users and caregivers can easily adjust and maneuver the chair to fit their needs.

Call us today if you have more questions, and our wheelchair experts will gladly answer them.