Aging With a Spinal Cord Injury: What to Watch For

Aging is a complex process for everyone, but it presents unique challenges for people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). While life expectancy for people with SCIs has improved over the last few decades, secondary conditions associated with an SCI can cause accelerated aging and health issues. Read on for more information on what people with SCIs should watch for as they get older. 

Common Aging Issues 

How a person with an SCI ages is affected by the following factors. 

• Age at the time of injury
• Level and severity of the injury 
• Family medical history
• Lifestyle behaviors such as smoking and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity
• Presence of support systems 
• Access to community services

People with SCIs are also more likely to experience bone loss, pressure sores, kidney and bladder stones, and chronic pain as they age. 

Cardiovascular System

People with SCIs have a higher propensity of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) relative to the injury’s extent and location. The inability to move can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, a significant risk factor for CVD. 

People with SCIs are also at greater risk of developing CVD because of the associated cardiovascular changes such as peripheral vasculature, blood pressure abnormalities, heart rate variability, and cardiac arrhythmias. As a result, cardiovascular health should be monitored regularly. 

Endocrine System

People with SCIs have lower growth hormone and testosterone levels than those without injury. In men, this can lead to the following symptoms. 

• Insomnia
• Impotence
• Decreased libido
• Fatigue
• Hot flashes
• Impaired memory
• Mental health issues
• Reduced muscle mass and strength

People with SCIs are also more apt to have increased glucose and insulin levels, contributing to a higher risk of developing diabetes. 

Musculoskeletal System

SCIs put a unique strain on the person’s musculoskeletal system due to the physical stresses of daily living. Unfortunately, this leads to upper limb pain and painful overuse injuries such as tendonitis or rotator cuff tears. Further, aging people with SCIs can experience worsening bone, joint, or muscle issues. While these injuries do not necessarily shorten the lifespan, they can disrupt independence and function. However, many complications can be prevented with the right equipment, therapy, and physical activity modifications. 

People with SCIs are also at higher risk of developing osteoporosis when the bones become brittle. Osteoporosis, in turn, increases the risk of fractures. People with SCIs are at 5-23% more risk of fracturing bones than their peers. 

Respiratory System Disorders

One of the biggest causes of morbidity and mortality in people with SCIs is respiratory system disorders. One reason is the loss of muscle mass in the abdominal and intercostal muscles, leading to an unproductive cough and the inability to effectively clear lung and airway secretions. Another reason is that as we age, our immunity function naturally decreases. 

People with SCIs can be prone to sleep apnea, so it is essential to have a medical professional check the respiratory system regularly. Doctors may also prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. 

Gastrointestinal System Dysfunction 

Soon after the SCI occurs, gastrointestinal (GI) system disorders can occur due to the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the GI tract and the increased time it takes contents to move through the colon from the lack of propagating contractions. These factors lead to incontinence and constipation, which can lower quality of life and cause more severe health consequences.

What to Do to Live Healthily 

Fortunately, individuals with an SCI can take steps to live a healthy life as they age. These include the following: 

• Stay physically active.
• Eat a nutritious diet that keeps body weight normal.
• Build and maintain a strong support network.
• Engage in effective self-care techniques.
• See your doctor regularly as you age and get routine check-ups. 

MYOLYN Helps You Live and Age Well

Aging is a natural part of life. And, although people with SCIs experience accelerated aging, a commitment to doing what you can to live as healthily as possible makes a huge difference. One way to combat unhealthy aging is through effective exercise, which is why we at MYOLYN invented our FES bike, the MyoCycle. The MyoCycle offers numerous benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional health. When you are ready to feel empowered to move, contact our caring and experienced team.