The spinal cord can be damaged by some form of trauma, such as an injury or disease. This will often lead to the backbone pinching the spinal cord, and can cause bruising or swelling. However the problem is caused, it can lead to nerve fibres being torn. The areas above the injury can continue functioning as they did before. From the damaged area and below, the nerves of the spinal cord are unable to properly communicate with the brain and other body parts.
Living with a spinal cord injury poses many disadvantages that will bring a lot of adjustment. However, rather than worrying about the things that can no longer be done as before the injury, it is important to focus on the many parts of life that can still be experienced in their fullness. There will be problems after such a serious injury is sustained, but there are many solutions that will make living with spinal cord injury easier.
Some common and very uncomfortable effects of spinal cord damage involve proper waste management. If properly treated with a good management program, there are ways to make daily life go as smoothly as possible.
Bladder Management
Since this system is low on the body, there are often issues with proper bladder function. Generally an injured person’s bladder will become either non-reflex (flaccid) or reflex (spastic). Problems with improper urinary function can cause infection, accidental voiding of waste material or urine backing up and entering the kidneys.
Bladder management programs are often necessary in order to lead a comfortable life. A Foley catheter can be inserted into the bladder, which prevents it from becoming overly full, and can stop problems with non-reflex disorders. External catheterization catheters can be attached to the penis and carry urine out into a special collection bag, so that it does not touch the skin or clothing, allowing the injured person to carry out their daily activities.
Bowel Management
As the nerves in the bowel system might not operate properly, people can experience difficulty controlling their bowel movements. There are several ways to deal with this type of problem. Common effects include diarrhoea, constipation, impaction, difficulty when attempting to void the bowels, and needing to manually remove faecal matter.
After suffering a spinal injury, special efforts will need to be made to train the bowels to work when, and as, desired. Manual removal might be needed, and can be used in conjunction with a technique called the valsalva manoeuvre. This is not advisable for people who have conditions with their hearts. Digital stimulation is a simple method of using a finger to manually relax the sphincter, so that it may release fecal matter. Suppository use is a commonly known method of evacuating the bowels. It involves using glycerine to draw moisture into the stool, or dulcolax to stimulate the nerves inside the rectum and contract the bowels.
While trying to deal with the many disadvantages that come with any injury, it is important to avoid accidental voiding of waste material, infection or other discomfort that can be caused when the bowel and urinary systems are not properly functioning. This will help to make life easier and encourage faster rehabilitation.
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