The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that sends messages from the brain to the rest of the body. Nerves tell muscles when to tense up or when to relax. For example, the spinal cord sends messages from the brain to the bladder and the sphincter muscles control the flow of urine or muscles in the rectum, and the anus control or releases the stool. The extent of your injury determines whether the injury is complete where you lose your body function or incomplete where there is slight movement or feeling below the injury.

Compassionate Heart can facilitate tailored support to ensure pain management, good nutrition intake, and support with bowel management.