Essentials for Bowel Care After a Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury may impact your bowel function. Here’s what you need to know to help avoid accidents and issues. Learn the fundamentals here. 

Learn about bowel care after a spinal cord injury.

After spinal cord injury, your bowels may function differently. However, if you stick to the guidelines and programmes provided by your healthcare team, you’ll avoid bowel accidents. With proper care and attention, bowel issues don’t have to surface after a spinal cord injury.

5 tips for maintaining healthy bowels

During rehabilitation you will be taught how to manage a bowel programme. Your rehabilitation will involve proper diet, exercise, medication and regularly scheduled bowel care. Your bowel care routine will help ensure you get regular fluid and fibre intake, and make any necessary changes in your diet. Every bowel care programme is unique, and may also include medications and other forms of treatment. The goal of your bowel care programme is to maintain health by having regular bowel movements and avoiding accidents. If you are experiencing bowel difficulties consult your healthcare professional – you may need to change your routine. 

Consider these fundamental tips to stay on track with your programme.

1. Follow your bowel routine every day
2. Eat a balanced diet that includes fruit and vegetables
3. Drink plenty of fluids each day to prevent constipation
4. Take medications as directed
5. Completely empty your bowels before leaving the toilet