Patients with spinal cord injuries are living longer and living better quality lives. However, patients with SCI are always vulnerable to a host of health issues. Which health issues may affect them depends on how severe their injury is, and where the injury occurred. The following outlines some of the complications that a patient may encounter.

• Bowel and bladder dysfunction-Some patients may be incontinent of bladder or bowel (or both). Patients with SCI may also experience more urinary tract infections, due to incomplete emptying of the bladder.
• Sexual dysfunction-Associated with the sacral region, some patients may suffer sexual dysfunction. For men, this may mean impotence. For women, this may lead to loss of any sensation. Loss of sexual function can be devastating to patients.
• Inability to regulate body function-Patients may have an inability or reduced ability to regulate body temperature, blood pressure, and sweating. These patients must be very careful not to become overheated.
• Spasticity-This is a common issue for many patients with SCI and refers to an increase in reflexes and stiffness of the limbs.
• Neuropathic pain-Some patients experience chronic pain. A neurologist or other physician should manage pain. Several medications may be tried before finding an effective drug to treat neuropathic pain. Chronic pain can decrease quality and enjoyment of life.
• Autonomic dysreflexia-If the autonomic nervous system is affected by the SCI, the patient may experience an abnormal increase in blood pressure, sweating, and other autonomic and involuntary responses to pain and/or sensory disturbances.
• Muscle atrophy-All patients with SCI will experience some degree of muscle atrophy, or shrinking, of muscle mass. Patients with SCI are unable to exercise these muscles as unaffected people do. Passive exercises may help in preventing atrophy of the muscles to a wide extent.
• Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMA syndrome)-This syndrome is rare. It is characterized by compression of the third part of the duodenum against the aorta by the SMA, and causes complete or incomplete duodenal obstruction. It may be acute or intermittent.
• Osteoporosis-Patients who ae confined to a bed or a chair will be at higher risk of osteoporosis. These patients should ensure an adequate intake of calcium. Equipment that supports the patient to stand may help prevent osteoporosis.
• Gallbladder/renal stones-These stones can cause considerable discomfort for the patient. Gallstones and renal stones may be partially prevented by diet and adequate water intake.
• Pressure ulcers-Pressure ulcers are sores that develop over bony prominences, caused by prolonged sitting or laying. Proper positioning, proper fitting of wheelchairs, and use of specially designed cushions may help prevent pressure ulcers from developing. Proper nutrition and maintenance of weight are also key factors in prevention.
• Pneumonia-Pneumonia may occur in those patients who have difficulty swallowing or who choke frequently, as well as in those patients whose breathing ability is impaired. Pneumonia can be very serious, even fatal, in these patients.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)-Prolonged sitting is a risk factor for the development of DVT, or a blood clot. Blood clots usually occur in the deep veins of the leg. Patients confined to a wheelchair are at higher risk of developing a DVT. Symptoms include redness, warmth, and swelling of the affected area.