Spinal cord injury and bladder problems

What is spinal cord injury?

Typically, the injury is caused by broken bones in the neck or back pressing on the spinal cord. Most spinal cord injuries cause some degree of permanent disability or loss of sensation in parts of the body below the site of injury. 

What causes spinal cord injury? 

Spinal cord injury is most often the result of some sort of trauma, most commonly car accidents, falls, violence or sports injuries. However, it can also result from infection of the spinal cord and certain medical conditions. 

Why does a spinal cord injury cause bladder issues? 

The bladder, which stores urine, is controlled by the nervous system. When you have a spinal cord injury, it is likely that the nerves controlling your bladder are damaged. As a result, the bladder may become overactive or underactive. 

Why is the spinal cord so important?? 

The spinal cord forms a vital link between the brain and the rest of the body and is part of the central nervous system. 

The spinal cord is protected by the bones of the spine and is cushioned by a clear fluid called cerebral spinal fluid. Nerves enter and exit the spinal cord at different points to control the various parts of the body including the bladder. 

The stretch receptors of the bladder are connected to nerves, which send signals up through the spine to the brain that now is the time to urinate. If it’s convenient for a person to do so, then the brain sends the message back that it’s OK to release urine. 

If the spinal cord is damaged, this messaging system will not work, resulting in bladder problems.