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In order to realise how our body can get affected by a spinal cord injury, it is important to know how the spine works. Several nerves originate from the brain and reach the skin, muscles and body organs through the spinal cord. A person with a spinal cord injury can develop several ‘secondary’ complications and issues which need to be addressed from time to time.

Skeletal system: This is one of the body systems that get primarily hit due to a spine injury. Following an injury, some calcium and minerals leave the bones which may gradually get accumulated in the urinary system causing stones. This is why it is advised to remain as much active as possible post a spine injury. Difficulty in movement may result in joint stiffening of knees, elbows, shoulders and may cause pain. Range of Motion (ROM) exercise is of great help by enabling complete movement of joints by correct positioning in bed.

Urinary system: Many times, a person with spinal cord injury will not be able to empty his bowel and bladder. In such situations, either a person has to be on a full-time urinary catheter or has to do intermittent self-catheterisation. In either of these situations, there is a substantially increased risk of urinary tract infections that need to be treated with antibiotics. Preventing such infections by following hygienic and sterile catheterisation techniques is always helpful.

Read more about how your Bowels, skin, Respiratory system, Autonomic function and the other aspects of life can get affected by a spinal cord injury

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