Why do those of us with spinal cord injuries get so cold so quickly? Why does it take us hours – literally – to get warm again? Why do we get so hot and cannot cool down? Why do our legs feel like ice cubes?
Did you know that the”thermostat” of our bodies is controlled through our spinal cords? Watch this video to hear more about it!
Thank you SO much for watching, caring and sharing!
In March of 2009, while expecting my 6th baby, I contracted Transverse Myelitis - a rare illness that caused swelling which damaged my spinal cord leaving me paralyzed from my chest down. It has changed my life in many horrible and wonderful ways. I love to talk about it all. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
It is always raw and real around here as I share my work in advocacy and accessibility, my heart for the spiritual lessons learned, my music that speaks my soul, and my love for my home and family.
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11 thoughts on “Spinal Cord Injury ~ Why Do We Get So Cold?”
Thank you so much for this. I am struggling with it, even though my country isn’t cold and it’s quite warm, but it’s the places I go to, almost everywhere – In a workplace, a mall, a restaurant, a friend’s place or even in the car. Everywhere that’s basically air conditioned, I’d start shivering like it’s snowing and at the same time, I also sweat. A lot. That worsens the situation. Why does this happen? I’ve been trying to put on extra layers, but the sweating really doesn’t come along. It’s such a painful thing to have to live with. It’s like the only place I’m okay is in my room, or just outside in the sun to get warmed up. I can’t go anywhere without going through all of that!
Thank you so much for this. I am struggling with it, even though my country isn’t cold and it’s quite warm, but it’s the places I go to, almost everywhere – In a workplace, a mall, a restaurant, a friend’s place or even in the car. Everywhere that’s basically air conditioned, I’d start shivering like it’s snowing and at the same time, I also sweat. A lot. That worsens the situation. Why does this happen? I’ve been trying to put on extra layers, but the sweating really doesn’t come along. It’s such a painful thing to have to live with. It’s like the only place I’m okay is in my room, or just outside in the sun to get warmed up. I can’t go anywhere without going through all of that!
Getting so cold could trigger autonomic dysreflexia which can then make you sweat. Sometimes, it is a toss up! Layers that you can take on or off, a blanket or something warm for your lower, less circulated body helps me at times. Also, if you can put your feet up to help the warm blood start flowing that is very helpful. I’m sorry and hope your body balances out!
I had figured out being cold while sitting during the day, but never thought about that leading to me being cold when I first lay down at night. Wow! Thanks for that!
Hi, I got my spinal cord injury in 2016 due to surgery. Thank you for the advice on the body temp. I am cold alot even in 80 -90 degree weather. It is August now and I am freezing as I type this. Last winter was the worst ever & not looking forward to this coming winter because I will be stuck in the house for the most part freezing. Any advice on what the thermostat should be set at to help me or is everyone different? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I can give you a few things that help me! First of all, I am always freezing when my family is not! I live in SC and wear blue jeans almost all summer just to stay warm! 🙂
So, I let them guide the thermostat as I am outnumbered and obviously mine is broken.
Here are a few suggestions:
– Buy an electric throw! It is small enough to not be all in everything, but large enough to wrap around you like a cocoon! It is the only thing that can heat me up quicker.
– Get a warm scarf and keep around your neck when you will be outside. It helps control the temperature of our bodies. Keep your neck and warm and it helps the rest of your body.
– Keep a hot drink (coffee or herbal tea which is my preference) handy. A warm mug feels good to cold hands and the hot drink helps warm up the insides.
– Be prepared for some cold shivers when you lay down at night. The blood that pools in our legs during the day starts circulating at night when you lay flat and I always shiver for about 20 minutes at least!! The heated throw really helps but it is still ice water in my veins for awhile!
I shared this immediately. Thank you for such a simple explanation. My husband is a quad, and I know most people don’t understand why he stays inside when it’s too hot or too cold outside. I’ll be watching a lot more of your blogs!
Alicia Reagan 
Thank you so much for this. I am struggling with it, even though my country isn’t cold and it’s quite warm, but it’s the places I go to, almost everywhere – In a workplace, a mall, a restaurant, a friend’s place or even in the car. Everywhere that’s basically air conditioned, I’d start shivering like it’s snowing and at the same time, I also sweat. A lot. That worsens the situation. Why does this happen? I’ve been trying to put on extra layers, but the sweating really doesn’t come along. It’s such a painful thing to have to live with. It’s like the only place I’m okay is in my room, or just outside in the sun to get warmed up. I can’t go anywhere without going through all of that!
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Thank you so much for this. I am struggling with it, even though my country isn’t cold and it’s quite warm, but it’s the places I go to, almost everywhere – In a workplace, a mall, a restaurant, a friend’s place or even in the car. Everywhere that’s basically air conditioned, I’d start shivering like it’s snowing and at the same time, I also sweat. A lot. That worsens the situation. Why does this happen? I’ve been trying to put on extra layers, but the sweating really doesn’t come along. It’s such a painful thing to have to live with. It’s like the only place I’m okay is in my room, or just outside in the sun to get warmed up. I can’t go anywhere without going through all of that!
LikeLike
Getting so cold could trigger autonomic dysreflexia which can then make you sweat. Sometimes, it is a toss up! Layers that you can take on or off, a blanket or something warm for your lower, less circulated body helps me at times. Also, if you can put your feet up to help the warm blood start flowing that is very helpful. I’m sorry and hope your body balances out!
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I had figured out being cold while sitting during the day, but never thought about that leading to me being cold when I first lay down at night. Wow! Thanks for that!
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Thanks for reading and I am glad it helped! 🙂
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Hi, I got my spinal cord injury in 2016 due to surgery. Thank you for the advice on the body temp. I am cold alot even in 80 -90 degree weather. It is August now and I am freezing as I type this. Last winter was the worst ever & not looking forward to this coming winter because I will be stuck in the house for the most part freezing. Any advice on what the thermostat should be set at to help me or is everyone different? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Hey! Thank you for writing!
I can give you a few things that help me! First of all, I am always freezing when my family is not! I live in SC and wear blue jeans almost all summer just to stay warm! 🙂
So, I let them guide the thermostat as I am outnumbered and obviously mine is broken.
Here are a few suggestions:
– Buy an electric throw! It is small enough to not be all in everything, but large enough to wrap around you like a cocoon! It is the only thing that can heat me up quicker.
– Get a warm scarf and keep around your neck when you will be outside. It helps control the temperature of our bodies. Keep your neck and warm and it helps the rest of your body.
– Keep a hot drink (coffee or herbal tea which is my preference) handy. A warm mug feels good to cold hands and the hot drink helps warm up the insides.
– Be prepared for some cold shivers when you lay down at night. The blood that pools in our legs during the day starts circulating at night when you lay flat and I always shiver for about 20 minutes at least!! The heated throw really helps but it is still ice water in my veins for awhile!
I hope this will help!
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Thank you so much for your help.
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I shared this immediately. Thank you for such a simple explanation. My husband is a quad, and I know most people don’t understand why he stays inside when it’s too hot or too cold outside. I’ll be watching a lot more of your blogs!
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Thank you for reading!!!
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