Spinal Cancer Oncology Rehabilitation
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Video: What Challenges Do Neurological Cancer Patients Face?
People who have brain or spinal cancer often face physical, functional and emotional challenges. Dr. Baird talks about two such challenges, mobility and depression, and why integrated care is important for neurological cancer patients.Addressing the Challenges of Spinal Cancer
CTCA neurosurgeon Dr. Clinton Baird discusses the importance of an integrated approach to addressing the challenges of spinal cancer, such as changes in neurological function.
Oncology Rehabilitation for Spinal Cancer
Spinal cancer and its treatments can cause cognitive and physical impairments. Depending on which part of the nervous system is involved, some spinal cancer patients experience the following:
- Weakness or numbness
- Balance and coordination problems
- Changes in posture (e.g., Kyphosis, or hunchback)
- Changes in physical performance
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
These changes can be upsetting and frustrating. Being able to maintain your mobility is essential to getting through treatment without complications like pneumonia, other infections, or even paralysis.
The oncology rehabilitation team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), including licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists, will support you on many levels throughout spinal cancer treatment.
Oncology Rehabilitation Therapies
When you arrive at CTCA, you’ll have an opportunity to meet with a caner rehabilitation therapist for a physical assessment. The assessment will evaluate functional deficits and needs.
Together, you and your rehabilitation therapist will develop a plan that is based on your individual goals, which can mean anything from daily walks to just being able to use the bathroom or get out of bed.
Your cancer rehabilitation plan may include any of the following therapies:
- Physical therapy, including cardiovascular, flexibility and strength training, can help improve endurance, coordination and balance, and restore mobility.
- Occupational therapy can help with performing everyday activities by addressing physical limitations in dressing, grooming, bathing and eating.
- Rebuilder technique, an electronic stimulation to the affected area, can help reduce neuropathy and increase tactile sensory and awareness.
- Massage therapy, a touch therapy, can help alleviate muscle tension and restore a sense of relaxation and well-being.
- Interactive metronome, a series of computer-generated sounds to measure a rhythmic beat and response, can help increase concentration and improve balance.
- Speech-language pathology can help improve speech, cognition, and swallowing problems that may limit your ability to eat and drink safely.
Once your spinal cancer therapy is complete, our oncology rehabilitation team will educate you about the physical and psychological benefits of physical restoration, and help prepare you and your family for continuing rehabilitation at home.
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