Beyond Paralysis: What Are The Effects Of Spinal Cord Injuries On Overall Health? Experts Explain

Spinal cord injuries can impact various bodily systems, psychological well-being, and social aspects of a person's life.

Impact of spinal cord injury on overall health

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Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can have profound and far-reaching effects on overall health that extend well beyond the immediate physical impairment. These injuries can impact various bodily systems, psychological well-being, and social aspects of a person's life. Understanding the systemic effects of SCIs is crucial for providing comprehensive care and support to individuals living with these injuries.

Dr. Utkarsh Bhagat, who is a Director and Senior Consultant - Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, at Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram said, "Spinal cord injuries have profound implications for an individual's overall health that extend beyond the commonly recognized paralysis. The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, plays an indispensable role in regulating bodily functions and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral nerves. When compromised, as in the case of an SCI, a cascade of physiological and systemic changes occurs, impacting nearly every facet of a person's health."

In addition, Dr Prithaviraj Deshmukh, who is an Orthopedic Surgeon, and Pain Management specialist at Nexus day surgery center, Mumbai, said, "As a surgeon, I've seen how spinal cord injuries can have a big impact on a person's health. But there's a whole bunch of stuff happening inside the body that we're still trying to figure out. It's not just about the things you can see right away – it's like throwing a pebble in a pond and watching the ripples spread. When the spinal cord gets hurt, it can mess up lots of different things, even things you might not have thought about, like how your heart beats or how you breathe."

Effects Of Spinal Cord Injury On Overall Health:

To address the systemic effects of spinal cord injuries on overall health, a multidisciplinary approach is crucial. This involves a team of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers, working together to provide comprehensive care, support, and rehabilitation to individuals with SCIs. 

In this regard, Dr. Shyam K Jaiswal, who is a Consultant Neurologist, at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad mentioned some of the systemic effects of spinal cord injuries on overall health:

Physical Health:

• Loss of Mobility: SCIs often result in partial or complete loss of mobility, leading to muscle atrophy, joint contractures, and reduced bone density. These physical changes can increase the risk of pressure sores, fractures, and other complications.
• Autonomic Dysfunction: SCIs can disrupt the autonomic nervous system, affecting functions such as blood pressure regulation, heart rate, and temperature control. This may lead to conditions like orthostatic hypotension, autonomic dysreflexia, and impaired thermoregulation.

Respiratory Health:

• Diaphragm Function: Depending on the level of injury, respiratory muscles like the diaphragm may be affected. This can result in impaired lung function, making it more challenging to breathe and clear secretions, potentially leading to respiratory infections.

Cardiovascular Health:

• Cardiovascular Complications: SCIs can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and atherosclerosis. Reduced physical activity and altered autonomic control can contribute to these issues.

Gastrointestinal Health:

• Digestive Issues: SCIs can disrupt the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to problems like constipation, bowel incontinence, and gastroparesis. These issues can affect nutrition and quality of life.

Genitourinary Health:

• Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Many individuals with SCIs experience urinary and bowel dysfunction. This can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and challenges in maintaining continence.

Psychological and Emotional Well-being:

• Depression and Anxiety: Adjusting to life with an SCI can be emotionally challenging. Feelings of grief, loss, depression, and anxiety are common. Psychological support is crucial to address these issues.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Some individuals may develop PTSD as a result of the traumatic event leading to the SCI or the ongoing challenges associated with it.

Pain Management:

• Neuropathic Pain: Many people with SCIs experience neuropathic pain, which can be severe and debilitating. Managing this pain effectively is essential for improving overall well-being.

Social and Economic Impact:

• Reduced Independence: SCIs often require individuals to rely on caregivers or assistive devices for daily activities, which can impact their independence.
• Employment and Financial Challenges: The loss of mobility and potential cognitive changes can affect an individual's ability to work and earn a living.

Secondary Health Conditions:

• Pressure Sores: Immobility increases the risk of pressure ulcers, which can lead to serious infections and complications.
• Osteoporosis: Reduced weight-bearing and muscle activity can lead to bone density loss and an increased risk of fractures.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Changes in bladder function can make individuals more susceptible to UTIs.

Life Expectancy:

• Depending on the severity and level of the injury, SCIs may reduce life expectancy due to the increased risk of secondary health complications and reduced overall health.

On concluding, Dr. Utkarsh Bhagat said, "The effects of spinal cord injuries on overall health extend far beyond paralysis. There are myriad of medical, physiological, and psychological challenges that individuals with SCI face which requires comprehensive care to enhance their well-being. A multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support, is crucial to mitigate the broad spectrum of health issues associated with SCI and improve the patient's overall quality of life."