Weak legs with bowel and urinary disorders after spinal cord injury, what to do?

Question
Hello doctor,
I have collapsed L1 vertebra, spinal cord injury. Surgical and screwed. It's been 4 months now. About 3 months ago, I had a follow-up examination for an MRI of the spinal cord. The doctor's conclusion is that there is still pulp edema at the injury site. I can still walk now. The legs are a bit weak. Urinating and defecation is a bit difficult. So the doctor asked me for advice on weak legs and urinary disorders after spinal cord injury, what should I do?
Pham Tan Hang (1983)
Answer
Answered by Doctor Le Thu Huong - Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy, Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
Hello,
With the question "Weak legs with bowel disorders after spinal cord injury, what should I do? ", the doctor answered as follows:
Poor leg movement, numbness, burning, numbness, decreased sensation in the legs, spasticity or flaccid paralysis of the legs, urinary disorders such as leakage, urinary retention, Constipation and fecal incontinence are common manifestations of patients with spinal cord injury. These conditions can be supported and reversed with the use of therapeutic drugs such as neuropathic pain medications, constipation medications, urinary leakage medications, etc. Therapeutic maneuvers, electrical stimulation to restore bowel function, or treatment with therapeutic stem cell transplantation.
In addition, in case of necessity, the patient needs to have the support of mobility aids such as leg braces, canes, crutches, walkers, instructions for daily defecation, and urinary catheterization. ,... In your case, you should go to facilities with high expertise in rehabilitation for spinal cord injury patients.
If you still have questions about weak legs and urinary disorders after spinal cord injury, you can go to a medical facility under Vinmec Health System for early examination and treatment. Thank you for trusting and sending questions to Vinmec. Wishing you lots of health.
Best regards!