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Atypical temperature regulation is one of the secondary complications of a spinal cord injury.
The spinal cord is responsible for regulating body temperature through the nervous system. Normally, when the body becomes too warm it triggers blood vessels to dilate, and sweat glands to release fluids to cool down the body. Damage to the spinal cord can interrupt this process. After injury the body’s temperature regulation is thrown off and many people no longer sweat, or sweat way less. This is especially true for people with injury levels of T6 and higher. It can become particularly dangerous if one is unable to cool down, and can cause spikes in blood pressure or a pounding headache, blurred vision, or unconsciousness.
Often you don’t realize you are too hot until it is already too late and it can be harder to cool down at this point. Certain medications can cause the body to overheat more easily as well. When I was in the hospital after my surgery and was taking some heavy duty pain killers, I was constantly overheating and found it very hard to be comfortable. I was sleeping with a bag of ice like a teddy bear in an attempt to decrease my core temperature to a point where I could even sleep at night.
The best way to stay ahead of overheating, is knowing the signs of overheating before it progresses into heat exhaustion, heat stroke or leads to complications. Common symptoms include feeling faint, or dizzy, a pounding headache, sweating excessively, feeling nauseous, increased spasms, red hot skin, increased heart-rate or other feelings of discomfort. It can be harder to cool down when your body has a diminished natural cooling and sweating response. Additionally, lack of sensation can result in the body overheating and not realizing until it is too late and the damage has been done.
Without being able to rely on the body’s conventional means of cooling down: sweating. It is imperative that we take the matter into our own hands. Some methods are more conducive for on the go, while others are more location based. Here are some solutions I have found to keep cool and beat the heat:
Clip on Fan – This was my life-saver during my hospital stay and on hot summer days. It is charged via a USB cable and get hours of run-time off a charge. It is super portable, and the cordless design allow it to be clipped on anywhere. There are three fan speeds and the fan can be angled so you can optimize air flow.
Misting Fan– This is a slightly bulkier option, but is the best bet to cool down if you are out indirect sunlight on a hot day. You reservoir holds water and you can spritz yourself and use the fan to initiate some evaporative cooling.
Travel Spray Bottle– If you want a more compact option, a small spray bottle filled with water can allow for on the go misting as well.
Cooling Towel– Cooling towels have a special structure to their fabric that facilitates evaporative cooling. Once water is added to the towel it evaporates from the surface of the towel, making it feel cool to the touch. This can be worn around the neck in a scarf like fashion. If you don’t have a specific cooling towel, a regular cloth, scarf, or other piece of fabric soaked in cool water and wrapped around the neck can help to cool the body.
Cooling Pillowcase/Bedsheets– I find it extremely hard to fall asleep if I am overheating. A cooling pillowcase has been a game changer, it is something I use year round. In the summertime I also like to break out the cooling sheets as well. Staying cool goes a long way in having a good night’s sleep.
Cool Shower– If accessible and available it can be very soothing to have a cool shower to lower body temperature. Obviously this is not always going to be a go to option when out and about, but is something to keep in mind at the end of a long day. For a bonus cooling effect menthol soap and body wash can be a nice treat.
Cold Water Bottle Pressed Against the Neck – This is my go to cool down option when out and about. You can easily find a cold water bottle at any convenience store. Pressing it against your neck allows it to quickly cool the body down. It can also be refreshing to have sips of ice cold water. So this works as a double duty.
Icepack or Literal Bag of Ice– This is a more extreme version of the water bottle in the crook of the neck trick, but can be more effective and longer lasting. You can bring your own icepack and keep it in an insulated container until needed (a half frozen water bottle or a frozen water-soaked sponge in a bag is a good DIY method if you can’t find a traditional icepack). Straight up ice cubes in a Ziploc bag also works as well (just make sure there’s no hole in the bag or it may leak on you as it melts). If using ice make sure you have a cloth or some other barrier so it doesn’t cause the skin to freeze or be irritated.
Light Breathable Clothing– If clothing doesn’t breath it can insulate the body and cause overheating. This is especially pertinent to wheelchair users since it can be harder to get good airflow when sitting down. Breezy cotton pants are light and cooling. Athletic wear and moisture wicking fabrics can be helpful to keep the body cool.
Cold Liquids/Food- If available a cold drink or food such as ice-cream can help lower the internal temperature of the body. Plus it’s never a bad time to eat ice-cream, just throwing that out there.
Staying Hydrated- Water has a high specific heat capacity, so it can help regulate your body temperature before you overheat. Dehydration can cause symptoms to worsen, so be sure to drink extra water if you are out in the sun, and replenish electrolytes if you have been sweating.
Creating Shade/Wearing a Hat– Being in direct sun can overheat you in an instant. A compact umbrella can be useful to give yourself some protection from the rays. At the very least a sun hat is a way to keep the sun off of your face and to provide a bit of relief.
Go Somewhere with Air Conditioning- A/C can be a lifesaver on hot days. It can be worth it to take a trip over to a mall or some other public place with A/C to escape the heat on the hottest part of the day. A/C can also be an important thing to consider when booking travel accommodations if you are travelling somewhere during the summer months or the hot/dry season. It can also be beneficial to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day to prevent overheating.
Swimming in a cool pool can be a great way to stave off the hot weather. Obviously this option is not always available, and it may be more challenging to find an accessible pool that meets your mobility needs. But this is a consideration to take into account when booking travel accommodations. Some pools are equipped with specialized lifts, or zero entry grades that can be accessed with a wheelchair. If no accessible pools are in the area there may be accessible spray parks that can be a good alternative.
Folding Fan– This is a great transportable option that can quickly cool you down. Plus it can act as a fashionable accessory as well. It’s a great option to have since you don’t have to worry about it losing a charge or running out of batteries.
Remember to be mindful and do your best to listen to your body and know the signs of overheating before it threatens your well-being. Be proactive and stay hydrated, and don’t plan to be out in direct sun if you are sensitive to heat. Stay cool out there!
