The areas most often affected include:
- Bladder control. While the bladder continues to store urine from the kidneys, the brain may not be able to exercise control because the message carrier (the spinal cord) is injured. This increases risk of urinary tract infections, kidney infections and kidney or bladder stones.
- Bowel control. Even though the stomach and intestines work as they did earlier, control of bowel movements is often altered.
- Skin sensation. Loss of all or part of skin sensation, means it cannot send a message to the brain when it is affected by things such as prolonged pressure, heat or cold.
- Circulatory control. Problems ranging from low blood pressure to swelling of your extremities, may arise. Changes in circulation may also increase risk of developing blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolus.
- Respiratory system. If the abdominal and chest muscles are affected, it may make breathing and coughing difficult.
- Muscle tone. Patients may experience one of two types of problems: uncontrolled tightening or motion in the muscles (spasticity) or soft and limp muscles lacking muscle tone (flaccidity).
- Fitness and wellness. Patients commonly experience weight loss and muscle atrophy, but restricted mobility may also lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, place you at risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
- Sexual health. Sexuality, fertility and sexual function may be affected. While men may notice changes in erection and ejaculation; women may experience changes in lubrication.
- Pain. Muscle or joint pain may be experienced due to overuse of particular muscle groups. Nerve pain can occur in those with an incomplete injury.
- Depression. The mental strain of coping with all the changes and living with the pain, may causes some to slip into depression.
