Does SCI always necessitate a wheelchair?
No. First of all, wheelchairs are simply a tool for mobility, so no one is “wheelchair bound.” People who use wheelchairs do many of their activities out of the chair, such as driving, swimming, gardening, skiing, or sleeping. High C-level injuries usually require the individual to use a power wheelchair. Injuries at or below the low C-level usually allow use of a manual chair. Advantages of manual chairs are that they cost less, weigh less, disassemble into smaller pieces, and are more agile. However, for the person who needs a powerchair, the independence afforded by them is worth the limitations. Some people are able to use braces and crutches for ambulation. These methods of mobility do not mean that the person will never use a wheelchair. Many people who use braces still find wheelchairs more useful for longer distances. However, the therapeutic and activity levels allowed by standing or walking briefly may make braces a reasonable alternative for some people.
