September was Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. This message doesn't end when the calendar flips.
I know this one personally. My spinal cord injury is incomplete, at C5-C6 in my cervical spine. With that location, you'd expect more signs in my upper body than my lower body. Mine showed up the opposite way. Same type of injury can look very different from person to person.
My doctor told my father that if it had gone on much longer, I could have been paralyzed. I ended up in the ER, where I had to push for more intensive testing to find out what was happening. I thank God I did. Speaking up for yourself matters.
The myth
"If they can move their legs, it must not be that serious."
It's wrong.
A spinal cord injury can be incomplete. Some signals still travel through the injured area. A person may have movement or sensation and still face major challenges every day.
Two people can have the same level of injury and live very different realities. One uses a wheelchair. Another walks. Either one may deal with:
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue
- Spasticity
- Balance problems
- Bladder and bowel issues
- Weakness and other neurological symptoms
Walking doesn't automatically mean "not disabled." Looking healthy doesn't mean the nervous system is healthy. A wheelchair doesn't tell you everything about someone's abilities. You can't see all the damage.
What we can do
- Be informed, not judgmental.
- Listen to the person living in that body.
- Respect that every journey is different.
- Choose kindness and inclusion.
Scripture says it plainly: "Be quick to listen, slow to speak" (James 1:19). Listening is the first act of respect. Believe the person. Respect the journey.
Reflect
- Have I ever assumed someone was "fine" because of how they looked?
- How would it feel to have my pain doubted?
- Have I ever had to push for answers about my own health?
- Who in my life might be carrying something I can't see?
Take a step
- Ask a friend with a disability what they wish people understood. Then just listen.
- Pause before commenting on what someone "looks like they can do."
- If something feels wrong in your body, keep asking questions until you get answers.
- Share this with one person who needs to hear it.
If you're facing symptoms or injury, talk with your medical team about what's right for you.
Graphic credit: Hope Decker
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