Does spinal cord injury impact quality of life?

Author: Kelsey Zhao | Reviewer: Rachel Abel | Published: 26 February 2025 | Updated: ~

Contrary to popular belief, people with SCI generally have good QoL. On average, people with SCI score lower on QoL tests than the general population. However, a lower average does not mean that all people with SCI see their QoL as low, or that all people with SCI will have a lower score than people who do not have an SCI. In studies of people with cervical SCIs, the majority of participants felt that their QoL is average or better than average.

Most studies find little to no relationship between level of injury, injury severity, and QoL. Rather, higher QoL is limited by the physical and social barriers that prevent people from accessing community, activities, and employment.