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An SCI causes many changes in the body. Feeling and movement can both be affected. And the functions of many body organs may also be affected. These changes make certain problems (called complications) more likely to happen. To help limit these problems, take steps daily to manage your health. This sheet gives a brief summary of what this involves.

A pressure injury is a sore caused by too much pressure on the skin. This reduces blood flow, damaging skin and underlying tissue. The result is a wound that can be quite serious. Having an SCI makes you more likely to develop a pressure injury.

After an SCI, your bowel may not work the same way as before. To help you adjust to and manage the changes, your healthcare team has helped you create a bowel program to follow on a regular basis. It's up to you to put this program into practice. Doing so will help you remain active, social, and healthy.

Lower your risk: Control stress. When you're stressed, your heartbeat speeds up and your blood pressure skyrockets. The next time you feel tension taking over, sit back and look at what's bothering you.

Snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. This can occur from large throat structures and other problems that block air passage.

Call 911 if you can't stop the bleeding or the victim shows signs of shock.

Anything that brings on feelings of stress is called a stressor. Learn about the many types of stressors people face today, and how they can affect you.

To manage stress, learn to recognize what sets off your stress, then find positive ways to respond to those triggers.

An effective way to deal with stress is to figure out which stressors you can control or change.