What are the risks of sitting in a wheelchair for an extended period? by Sarah Williams Volf/Director, C.A.M.O.: at DailyStrength Doctors and Advisors

Sarah Williams Volf is a native of Wales and came to Challenge Aspen in 2001. After serving as the Recreation, Educational Cultural REC Programs Director for a number of years, Sarah now spearheads the newest division of…

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What are the risks of sitting in a wheelchair for an extended period?

Posted in Veterans by Sarah Williams Volf on Oct 21, 2009

One problem related to sitting in a wheelchair for extended periods is bad posture. When you are seated you are in a flexed position, this causes the spine to curve forward. You may also have more muscle strength on one side or the other and this can pull you into a sideways curve. Over long periods of time this can cause pain and some people may become stuck in that posture.

Another problem that is related to improper seating is pressure sores. They are usually caused by sitting in on position for too long and when more weight is placed on one side than the other. When a change in position doe not occur and the blood supply gets low a sore may form.

Some damage may be mild and some pressure sores can be serious. We have witnessed participants with both cases at Challenge Aspen and this is a very uncomfortable condition. The most important way to prevent pressure sores is to avoid prolonged pressure on one part of you r body. Selecting a good seating system is imperative to ensure good support and protection of soft tissues for those that are unable to change position or have reduces sensation. The system must be compatible with your wheelchair of choice.

As always selection should be based upon consultation with rehabilitation professionals.

Sarah

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Previous: What is the best way to communicate with people with disabilities?

: How do I choose the right wheelchair for a spinal cord injury?

CATEGORIES: Answers

CONDITIONS AND COMMUNITIES: Brain Injury • Diabetes Type 1 • Diabetes Type 2 • Military Families • Paralysis • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Sports Injuries • Veterans

TAGS: Symptoms

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I have MS & have been in a wheelchair for 11 years. Thanks for the info. Someone has got to get the word out about curving spine.

KK

By kellygrn Oct 23, 2009

I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. I was denied a wheelchair with no reason other than "It is better you keep moving". Well, after being housebound for almost 2 years I bought a wheelchair at a thrift store. Because of it I can get out (loss of energy can be sudden and debilitating). However, I must say that after being in it for short periods of time (I do get up and walk some), my body suffers like whip lash, my posture most definitely slumps, and I do get motion sickness and my body has to unfold to get out of it. It is a blessing with side effects.

By marymargaret Oct 22, 2009

thanks for this. have cerebral palsy, and am in a power chair. my chair is 8 years old, and i've noticed that my legs hurt more when i'm in it for a extended periods.

By jasgall Oct 21, 2009

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