---
title: 10 Tricks to Improve Your Bowel Program
description: A spinal cord injury may take away the ability to walk, but it also takes away the ability to have a bowel movement normally...
image: https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Improved%20Your%20Bowel%20Program.jpg
---
[  ](https://www.spinalcord.com/)
MENU **
**
[
The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com
** Play
Dale Swope's Story
](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call:
(877) 336-7192
](tel:8773367192) 
- [About](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us)
- [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us)
- [Our Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/our-team)
- [Trusted By](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by)
- [Journal](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog)
- [Spinal Cord Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury)
- Spinal Injury Types
- [What is Spinal Cord?](https://www.spinalcord.com/what-is-the-spinal-cord)
- [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury)
- [Cervical Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/cervical-spinal-cord-injury)
- [Thoracic Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/thoracic-spinal-cord-injury)
- [Lumbar Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/lumbar-l1-l5-vertebrae-spinal-cord-injury)
- [Sacral Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/sacral-spine-s1-s5-vertebrae-injuries-sacral-sparing)
- Paralysis Types
- [Paralysis](https://www.spinalcord.com/paralysis)
- [Types of Paralysis](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-paralysis)
- [Monoplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/monoplegia)
- [Diplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/diplegia)
- [Hemiplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/hemiplegia)
- [Paraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/paraplegia)
- [Quadriplegia | Tetraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/quadriplegia-tetraplegia)
- Additional Info
- [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer)
- [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-non-traumatic-traumatic-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Mental Health Care After SCI](https://www.spinalcord.com/mental-health-care-after-sci)
- [Life After SCI](https://www.spinalcord.com/life-after-a-spinal-cord-injury)
- [Resources for Veterans](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/topic/veterans)
- [Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-acquired-brain-injury)
- Brain Injury Types
- [Traumatic Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury)
- [ Acquired Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/acquired-brain-injury)
- [Anoxic Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/anoxic-brain-injury)
- [Diffuse Axonal Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/diffuse-axonal-brain-injury)
- [ Focal Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/focal-brain-injury)
- [ Subdural Hematoma](https://www.spinalcord.com/subdural-hematoma)
- [ Concussion](https://www.spinalcord.com/concussion)
- [ Brain Aneurysm](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-aneurysm)
- [ Coma](https://www.spinalcord.com/coma)
- Lobes of the Brain
- [ Brain Lobes Overview](https://www.spinalcord.com/lobes-of-the-brain)
- [ Frontal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/frontal-lobe)
- [ Parietal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/parietal-lobe)
- [ Occipital Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/occipital-lobe)
- [ Temporal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/temporal-lobe)
- [ Limbic Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/limbic-lobe)
- [ Insular Cortex](https://www.spinalcord.com/insular-cortex)
- Additional Info
- [Brain Injury Treatment](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-treatment/brain-injury-lab)
- [ Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer)
- [ Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries)
- [ Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms)
- [ Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi)
- [ Resources For Veterans](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/best-resources-for-veterans-with-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Treatment ](https://www.spinalcord.com/treatment-for-brain-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory)
- [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory)
- [Intensive SCI Rehabilitation Centers](https://www.spinalcord.com/intensive-sci-rehabilitation-centers)
- [Technology Advancements ](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements)
- [Activity Based Therapy Centers](https://www.spinalcord.com/activity-based-therapy-centers)
- [Brain Injury Treatment](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-treatment/brain-injury-lab)
- [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention)
- [Legal Options](https://www.spinalcord.com/legal-considerations-for-common-types-of-brain-and-spinal-cord-injuries)
- Legal Assistance
- [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer)
- [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer)
- [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start)
- [When To Get A Lawyer - eBook](https://www.spinalcord.com/your-guide-to-knowing-when-to-get-a-lawyer)
- [Speak With An Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer)
- [Protecting an Accident Scene](https://www.spinalcord.com/protecting-an-accident-crime-scene)
- Legal Considerations
- [Overview](https://www.spinalcord.com/legal-considerations-for-common-types-of-brain-and-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Car Accidents](https://www.spinalcord.com/car-accidents)
- [Contact Sports](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-sports)
- [Acts of Violence](https://www.spinalcord.com/acts-of-violence)
- [Workplace Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/workplace-injuries)
- [Slips and Falls](https://www.spinalcord.com/slips-and-falls)
- [Contusions](https://www.spinalcord.com/contusions)
- Personal Injury Claims
- [Types](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims)
- [How to File a Personal Injury Claim](https://www.spinalcord.com/how-to-file-a-personal-injury-claim-for-a-brain-or-spinal-cord-injury)
- [Resources](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-resources)
- Coping & Support
- [Survivor Stories](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/topic/survivor-stories-inspiration)
- [Family & Friends](https://www.spinalcord.com/family-friends-of-brain-spinal-cord-injury-patients)
- [Support Groups](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-support-groups)
- [Support Groups Interactive Map](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-support-groups-map)
- [Advocacy Groups](https://www.spinalcord.com/advocacy-groups)
- Financial Resources
- [Financial Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/financial-resources)
- [Grants](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-grants)
- [Compensation](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-compensation)
- [Brain & SCI Medical Expenses](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-medical-expenses)
- [Money Management Tips](https://www.spinalcord.com/money-management-tips)
- [Life Care Plan](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-life-care-plan)
- Legal Assistance
- [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer)
- [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer)
- [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start)
- [Speak With An Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer)
- [Personal Injury Lawyer](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/)
- Digital Resources
- [Frequently Asked Questions & Answers](https://www.spinalcord.com/frequently-asked-questions-and-answers)
- [When To Get A Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/your-guide-to-knowing-when-to-get-a-lawyer)
- [Organizing Life From A Hospital](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/traumatic-injury-digital-tools-organize-from-hospital)
- [Free Brain and Spinal Cord eBooks](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-resources)
- [Spinal Cord Infographics](https://www.spinalcord.com/infographics)
- [SCI Life Uncovered Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1)
- Local Resources
- [Florida Spinal Cord Injury Resources ](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-sci-resources)
- [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims)
- [Map of State Resources](https://www.spinalcord.com/state-programs)
- [Community](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-community)
- [Trusted Organizations](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community)
- [Events Calendar](https://www.spinalcord.com/events)
- [Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1)
- Recognition
- [Best of Awards](https://www.spinalcord.com/best-of-awards)
- [Trusted By Designation](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community)
- [** ](tel:8773367192)
- [** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/10-tricks-to-improve-your-bowel-program#)
- [**
**(877) 336-7192**
](tel:8773367192)
- [**
**Contact Us**
](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us)
# 10 Tricks to Improve Your Bowel Program
Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors)
Publish Date: December 08, 2020
A spinal cord injury may take away the ability to walk, but it also takes away the ability to have a bowel movement normally. Many people say this is actually worse than losing the ability to walk. The seesaw effect of going back and forth from constipation to diarrhea is a common issue for many people with paralysis, and it can be incredibly destructive to one's life.
Many people as a result struggle with the right way to manage their bowels. There is a lot of advice out there. Doctors have their list of recommendations, but people who have been living with paralysis for decades also have some great advice. Below we’ve compiled some of the best tips from the spinal cord injury community on managing neurogenic bowels.
## 10) Consistent, Healthy Diet
****
One of the first things a person will tell you who’s been living with paralysis for a long time is that you must eat healthily. Whatever you eat will greatly affect your bowel program, so try to each whole foods as much as possible. This means staying away from processed and greasy foods, and eating raw fruits and vegetables, lean protein and food with plenty of natural fiber. Also, be sure to eat healthy on a regular basis. The more consistent you eat healthily, the fewer issues you will have with your bowels.
## 9) Fiber
****
It is also incredibly important to incorporate fiber into your diet. There are plenty of ways to do this. Some people prefer to eat a fiber bar or a breakfast bar with plenty of fiber (search online for recipes). There's also fiber medications available, which are taken daily. Fiber gummies are especially popular. Just make sure you eat fiber daily in order to see results. And foods high in fiber include beans, raspberries, peas, whole wheat pasta, barley, popcorn, lentils, and Chia seeds.
## 8) Psyllium Husk Powder
****
** **So popular it deserves as a category, psyllium husk powder is a form of fiber you can purchase from any pharmacy which is incredibly life changing for many with paralysis. Psyllium is a form of soluble fiber that is made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant seeds. This is typically added to water and also taken every day.
## 7) Cholestyramine Tablets
****
** **A medication originally prescribed for lowering cholesterol, Cholestyramine is prescribed for people with chronic diarrhea. It has the ability to remove bile acid, which is the cause of diarrhea for many.
## 6) Coffee
****
** **Thanks to the caffeine in coffee, it can act as a stimulant to your bowels which can help you have a bowel movement. While it is not the most powerful solution for constipation, it can help anyone with mild constipation issues. Do not overdo it, however, as caffeine can also dehydrate, which can cause constipation.
## 5) Abdominal Massage
****
** **Typically taught in rehab, rubbing the lower bowel area of your abdomen can help for many with paralysis. A simple abdominal massage is usually all it takes to get things moving in the right direction. Since many cannot push their bowels through their intestines on their own post-injury, a regular bowel massage rectifies this.
## 4) Probiotics
****
** **Taking probiotics can help regulate the bowels amazingly. They deposit good bacteria in your digestive tract. This good bacteria can help prevent diarrhea and it help form regular stool. If you begin a probiotics treatment however be patient. It can take up to three weeks to see results.
## 3) Laxaclear
****
** **A popular laxative taken in liquid form, Laxaclear is a generic form to Miralax, which means it is an osmotic laxative. This is also a powder solution which is added to water, and it is not taken each day but instead taken when needed. Many people take it 2 to 3 times a week. Be careful however, as it is powerful. It is also available on Amazon: [https://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Signature-LaxaClear-Compare-MiraLax/dp/B002YJZMCQ](https://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Signature-LaxaClear-Compare-MiraLax/dp/B002YJZMCQ)
## 2) Regular Bowel Program
****
** **Having a regular bowel program is one of the best ways to keep your bowels regular. Many people will do their bowel program either in the morning or at night, and some people will do it both morning and night. Find a rhythm that works well for your body and stick to it. Keeping your body on a regular schedule is a must when you’re paralyzed.
## 1) Magnesium
****
** **A supplement you can purchase at any pharmacy, magnesium is an element that can help regulate your bowels. Milk of magnesia is another way to take magnesium, but for most people taking a magnesium supplement is easier. Many people will also take their magnesium at night in order to have a good bowel program in the morning.
If you have tried all of the above tips and still see no results, you may have a bowel blockage. In that case, go to the doctor right away, as they will need to do a CT scan or X-ray to determine if a bowel blockage has occurred. There are stronger medications available to help in this situation.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/c0c66a05-73d2-4af5-ab68-455c7e0f022a)
**Topics:** Miscellaneous
### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries
About the Author
#### Spinal Cord Team
The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community.
[Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors)
**Leave a Comment**
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a)
true
### Spinal Cord Injury
- [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury)
- [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer)
### Brain Injury
- [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury)
- [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries)
- [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms)
- [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi)
- [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer)
### Finding Treatment
- [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory)
- [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory)
- [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements)
- [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention)
### Legal Options
- [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer)
- [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer)
- [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims)
- [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start)
- [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims)
#### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us)
Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move.
[Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us)
## [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us)
** [877-336-7192](tel:8773367192)
** [support@spinalcord.com](mailto:support@spinalcord.com)
[**](https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com/) [**](https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg)
Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved. [Spinal Cord, Inc.](https://www.spinalcord.com)
Sponsored by [Tampa personal injury lawyers](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) at Swope, Rodante P.A. a Florida law firm located at 1234 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605.
The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer)
[**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/10-tricks-to-improve-your-bowel-program#)
[**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/10-tricks-to-improve-your-bowel-program#)
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "WebSite",
"name" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.",
"potentialAction" : {
"@type" : "SearchAction",
"query-input" : "required name=search_query",
"target" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/search?q={search_query}"
},
"url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/"
}
```
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "Organization",
"contactPoint" : [ {
"@type" : "ContactPoint",
"contactType" : "customer service",
"telephone" : "+1-877-336-7192"
} ],
"legalName" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.",
"logo" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png",
"sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom", "https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com" ],
"url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/"
}
```
```json
{
"@context" : "http://schema.org",
"@type" : "Article",
"articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.\n\nWhat Is a Spinal Contusion?
\n![\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\"](\"https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=300&name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg\")
\nMuch like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.
\nFor example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.
\nA contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.
\nWarning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For
\nFirstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.
\nSymptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:
\n\n- Spinal shock — or the "loss of feeling or movement below site of injury" (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks
\n- Loss of bladder or bowel function
\n- Difficulty breathing
\n- Muscle spasticity
\n- Difficulty understanding speech
\n- Problems with attention
\n- Memory challenges
\n- Heart rate and blood pressure problems
\n
\nUnfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.
\nUnderstanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.
\nIf you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Spinalcord.com Team"
},
"datePublished" : "2020-12-03",
"image" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion",
"name" : "Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion",
"url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"
}
```
```json
{
"@context":"https://schema.org",
"@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite",
"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website",
"url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion",
"name":"Spinal Cord Inc",
"description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.",
"inLanguage":"en-US"},
{
"@type":"ImageObject",
"@id":"Spinalcord Logo",
"inLanguage":"en-US",
"url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png",
"width":327,"height":300,
"caption":"spinal contusion"},
{
"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#webpage",
"url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion",
"name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion",
"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website"},
"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#primaryimage"},
"datePublished":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00","dateModified":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00",
"author":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors"},
"description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.
What Is a Spinal Contusion?
Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image
Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.
For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.
A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.
Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For
Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.
Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:
Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks
Loss of bladder or bowel function
Difficulty breathing
Muscle spasticity
Difficulty understanding speech
Problems with attention
Memory challenges
Heart rate and blood pressure problems
Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.
Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.
If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.",
"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb"},
"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"]}]},
{
"@type":"BreadcrumbList",
"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb",
"itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem",
"position":1,
"item":
{
"@type":"WebPage",
"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/",
"url":"https://spinalcord.com/",
"name":"Home"}},
{"@type":"ListItem",
"position":2,
"item":{"@type":"WebPage",
"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/",
"url":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/",
"name":"Articles"}},
{"@type":"ListItem",
"position":3,
"item":{"@type":"WebPage",
"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/",
"url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/",
"name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion"}}]},
{"@type":"Person",
"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors",
"name":"Spinalcord Team",
"image":{"@type":"ImageObject",
"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png",
"inLanguage":"en-US",
"url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png",
"caption":"Spinalcord Team"},
"description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ."
}
]}
```