WHAT IS A TERM OF ADJUSTMENT?

What is adjustment? Why is adjustment so important after a spinal cord injury? Medically speaking, this term is defined as the way you adapt to a new condition. In your case, it is the spinal cord injury you’ve suffered. There are many ways to adapt; you may have worked with your lawyer to get funds to adapt your home, for example.

You may have to make other adjustments as well. These should be accounted for when you make a claim for compensation. First, remember that your spinal cord injury could require fewer work hours, so you can heal or be more comfortable.

You may have to adjust mentally. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that such a serious accident has happened and that you’ve been left with pain or disability because of it. You used to be able to do more, and that can be hard to assimilate. Grieving is part of the adjustment process, just as denial and sadness are.

Some people become angry, wanting something to be done about the injury or even to take revenge. It’s important to realize that this is also part of the grieving and adjustment processes. Once you reach acceptance about your condition, adjustments in daily life may become easier.

If a patient can’t adjust after a year or more, then it’s possible that the patient’s mental health needs to be professionally evaluated. Helping the person see good in a bad situation is possible, and counselors may use Emotive Behavior Therapy. This helps those with debilitating conditions see their lives in a healthier manner.