While damage to the spinal cord is traumatic in and of itself, SCI victims face a number of potential complications. They can include: Lack of bladder control, which increases the risk of urinary tract infections. Bowel impaction and constipation, even if your intestines and stomach function well. Increased likelihood of pressure sores, because the skin can’t notify the brain it’s injured – and paralysis victims may not be able to physically move their bodies to avoid the pressure. Circulatory problems, which may cause low blood pressure and the swelling of your extremities. The risk of blood clots increases. Life-threatening high blood pressure may also develop. Respiratory disorders may develop. It may be hard to breathe and cough. Victims who have a cervical or thoracic spinal cord injury may be at risk for pneumonia and lung disorders. An increased risk of osteoporosis and broken bones. Muscle spasms and/or muscle atrophy. Other complications include a lack of fitness because of a lack of mobility, heart disease, and diabetes. Nerve pain, muscle pain, and joint pain are likely, and some victims have decreased sexual function. Many spinal cord injury victims suffer from anxiety, depression, and other emotional problems.