This FAQ is intended as a guide to commonly asked questions. Please always consult your healthcare professional regarding spinal cord injuries.
What is meant by spinal cord injury?
Spinal cord injury is the general term used to describe damage to the spinal cord. Typically, the injury is caused by broken bones in the neck or back pressing on the spinal cord.
What causes spinal cord injury?
Spinal cord injury is most often the result of some sort of trauma, most commonly car accidents, falls, violence or sports injuries. However, it can also result from infection of the spinal cord and certain medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis and spina bifida.
How can I improve my daily life?
Although most spinal cord injuries are permanent, it is often possible to achieve some degree of improvement through physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Various methods are available to help people with spinal cord injury live as full and active a life as possible by managing complications such as loss of bladder, bowel, or sexual control.
Why does a spinal cord injury cause bladder issues?
The bladder, which stores urine, is controlled by the nervous system. When you have a spinal cord injury, it is likely that the nerves controlling your bladder are damaged and, as a result, bladder function is affected. Some people find that they need to urinate more frequently or urgently, some experience urine leakage, whereas others experience difficulty emptying the bladder.
Why does a spinal cord injury cause bowel issues?
The bowel is controlled by the nervous system. When you have a spinal cord injury, it is likely that the nerves controlling your bowel are damaged and, as a result, bowel function is affected.
Find out more
Read more FAQs on bladder issues. Read more FAQs on bowel issues.