Neurogenic bowel management (part 1 of 2)- Spinal Injuries Association factsheet

One of the most significant changes in the way a body works after a spinal cord injury (SCI) is the loss of bowel control. The sensations that trigger a need to empty the bowel, and control of the muscles that prevent this, are lost. However, appropriate management methods and implementing a bowel management routine allows most people to achieve a far better quality of life. This factsheet, produced by Spinal Injuries Association, explains the importance of a personalised bowel programme, and the tools to put one in place. The followup factsheet, Neurogenic bowel management Part 2,details the use of medications and other interventions, with advice on possible problems and complications.