When you have a spinal cord injury (SCI), it can often feel like the injury is the least of your problems. Lack of motor function can be adapted to, but then there are the secondary health issues that individuals with spinal cord injury are more vulnerable to. Knowing what these health issues are can help us to be more proactive in preventing them.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham and the University of California Health System tracked the health of more than 2,700 patients with spinal cord injuries for up to 20 years and compared their outcomes to a matched control group without SCI.
The new study, led by senior researcher Dr. Saef Izzy, was published in November 2025 in JAMA Network Open, and revealed that compared to the control group, individuals with SCI had a significantly increased risk across multiple categories:
- Cardiovascular: Increased risk of high blood pressure (60%), elevated cholesterol (50%), clogged arteries/heart disease (80%), and stroke (2.5 times)
- Endocrine and Metabolic: Increased risk of diabetes (50%) and hormone disruptions like adrenal insufficiency.
- Neurological and Psychiatric: Increased risk of dementia (triple), seizures (triple), depression (more than double), substance misuse, and opioid use disorder.
Many of these chronic conditions were also associated with an increased risk of death after SCI.
Individuals with spinal cord injuries are more vulnerable to these health issues because the nature of SCI often involves impaired blood vessel function, disruption of automatic bodily functions, and damage to the gut microbiome and immune response. Lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet and social isolation are often contributing factors.
The study also found that this increased risk is regardless of the patient’s age, the location of their spinal cord injury or their prior health.
The importance of proactive and multidisciplinary long-term care to screen for and manage these increased health risks cannot be overstated.
This study highlights the need for programs to be implemented to identify patients at risk in order to better manage their chronic care and address health issues.
Researchers noted that future studies are needed to identify effective interventions to reduce the burden of chronic disease among individuals with SCI.
Staying Proactive
To decrease the threat of exacerbated complications, individuals with SCI should participate in regular physical activity if possible, practice proper nutrition habits, engage in diligent self-care, and practice consistent medical follow-up.
Exercise is crucial for preventing conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, pressure sores, and spasticity.
Even if you cannot exercise due to the level of your spinal injury, you can be proactive with nutrition. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
Proactive management is essential to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney/bladder stones, and digestive issues. Drink at least 8 cups of water daily to dilute urine and prevent infection. Ensure adequate fiber intake in your diet to promote regular bowel movements. Follow prescribed bladder and bowel routines (e.g., intermittent catheterization) and seek prompt medical attention for any issues.
Be sure to get recommended screening tests for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and certain cancers (e.g., bowel and bladder).
Get yearly Dexa-scans to check for osteoporosis. Discuss calcium and Vitamin D supplements with your doctor.
SCI can impact emotional and mental health too. Seek support from mental health professionals, counselors, or peer support programs to manage depression, anxiety, and stress.
While secondary health complications can be dangerous, understanding what they are can help us to prevent them.
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