Yes, paraplegics do feel pain in most cases, although the nature of the pain may vary from person to person. Paralysis itself doesn’t create pain, but sometimes physical trauma, medical complications, and pressure sores can cause pain that is specifically associated with a paraplegic’s condition.
Pain in a paraplegic is often referred to as “phantom pain,” which means it can be felt in the legs and feet, but does not have any physical cause within the area. This type of pain is thought to be caused by the disruption of signals traveling to the brain from the occipital nerve (in the lower back).
Other types of pain associated with paraplegia can include muscle spasms, increased sensitivity in some areas, as well as chronic and temporary pain that is specifically related to the condition. Pain relief medications and lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, can help reduce these pains.
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Can paralyzed people still feel pain?
Yes, unfortunately paralyzed people can still feel pain. Pain occurs when nerves are still able to send messages to the brain. Nerves aren’t necessarily impacted when someone is paralyzed and unfortunately, can still transmit pain signals.
In addition to nerve pain, some paralyzed individuals may also experience spasticity (involuntary, sudden muscle contractions and spasms) and pain from joint damage due to lack of movement. Pain may be more difficult to accurately assess and diagnose in a paralyzed individual as it may not be physically visible.
This can make it harder to create effective treatments. While medications may help manage and reduce pain, there is also a growing awareness of the importance of psychological treatments for pain relief for individuals with paralysis.
Therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, biofeedback, and massage may help alleviate pain and improve overall quality of life for paralyzed individuals.
Can you be paralyzed but still have feeling?
Yes, it is possible to be paralyzed but still have feeling. Paralysis occurs when the communication between the body and the brain is disrupted, which means that the body parts are not getting the messages they need to move correctly.
However, feeling is still present when the nervous system is not disrupted. Paralysis can happen due to a traumatic injury, a stroke, or muscle illness. When someone is paralyzed, they may still be able to feel pressure, vibration, and temperature, but not movement.
If the nerves remain intact, then some feeling can remain. It is important for people with paralysis to keep monitoring their sensation and report any changes to their doctor. With the help of medical technology and advancements, many people with paralysis are able to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Can paralyzed people feel you touch them?
The answer to this question depends on the type of paralysis the person is facing. Generally speaking, if the person has complete paralysis (which is paralysis of all four limbs, meaning that the person cannot move anything at all), it is likely that they cannot feel your touch.
This is because when someone is completely paralyzed, their nerves are not able to send signals from their body to their brain. Without these signals, a person cannot feel or perceive any sensation, including a touch.
On the other hand, if the person has partial paralysis, it is possible that they can feel your touch or perceive sensations. This is because, even though their muscles are not able to work, their nerve signals can still be sent to the brain.
Therefore, a person with partial paralysis may be able to feel you touching them.
The best way to find out if a paralyzed person can feel you touching them is to ask them. Every person is different, so the ability to feel and perceive a touch may vary from person to person. Therefore, it is important to always ask the person you are touching if they can feel it and be comfortable with them.
Can a paralyzed man still get erect?
Yes, it is possible for someone who is paralyzed to still get an erection. There is a condition known as autonomic dysreflexia (AD) that can cause someone who is paralyzed to experience erections, as well as other involuntary reactions such as profuse sweating, elevated heart rate, and high blood pressure.
This condition occurs when the nervous system attempts to compensate for an injury to the spinal cord, resulting in an elevation of signals that were previously blocked by the injury. In addition, some medications used to treat spinal cord injuries can also cause erections and people with paralyzed legs can often still experience genital stimulation, which can result in an erection.
However, it is important to note that the ability to achieve an erection is not a reliable indicator of sexual functioning, as some men with spinal cord injuries may be able to achieve erections but may have difficulty reaching orgasm.
For this reason, it is important for an individual with a paralyzed lower body to consult with a doctor about their treatment and care options.
Can you feel your coochie when paralyzed?
No, it is not possible to feel your coochie when you are paralyzed. When someone has paralysis, they are unable to move or feel in certain parts of their body due to nerve damage. The nerves that control sensation and movement to the area of your coochie would be affected and not working if you were completely paralyzed, which would mean that you would not be able to feel anything in that region.
Depending on the severity of the paralysis, you might still have some sensation in your coochie, or at least be able to tell when you have a bowel or bladder movement, but overall feeling in the coochie region would most likely be absent.
Can paraplegics poop?
Yes, paraplegics are able to poop just like everyone else. Depending on the extent of a paraplegic’s condition, they may need assistance from family members or medical professionals to help them achieve this.
To help paraplegics achieve bowel movements, doctors may prescribe laxatives, modified diets, enemas, suppositories, or manual evacuation. If needed, medical devices such as catheters may also be used to manually void the bladder.
With the help of these interventions, paraplegics should be able to move their bowels just like any able-bodied person. Therefore, the answer is yes, paraplegics can poop.
Do paraplegics have to wear diapers?
No, paraplegics do not have to wear diapers. While some paraplegics may opt to wear diapers for convenience, in general, they are not required due to the lack of bladder or bowel control associated with paraplegia.
They may, however, need to use other methods of bladder and bowel management if they are unable to control their bladder and bowels independently. These techniques may include manual evacuation (using one’s own hand to evacuate the bladder or bowel) or intermittent catheterization (using a catheter to regularly and frequently drain the bladder) as well as other options.
While the use of diapers is not necessary for most paraplegics, it is important for them to have a plan for bladder and bowel management to avoid complications associated with urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and other issues.
Having support from caregivers and healthcare professionals can be helpful to ensure that any toileting plan is safe, comfortable, and effective.
How many years do paraplegics live?
Paraplegics can have an average lifespan and mortality rates comparable to that of people without any spinal cord injury. A study conducted in 2011 by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that the average lifespan of a person with paralyzing spinal cord injury was roughly 48 years.
However, this number can vary significantly depending on individual health and lifestyle factors, such as access to proper healthcare, overall physical activity, preventive measures, and general health awareness.
There are a variety of lifestyle changes that paraplegics can make to improve their health and potentially extend their lifespan. These include taking preventive measures such as getting regular checkups with a doctor or physical therapist, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced and nutritious diet.
Additionally, ensuring access to advanced medical care, especially when it comes to managing any complications from their injuries, can also be an important factor in prolonging their lifespan.
What is the leading cause of death in paraplegics?
The leading cause of death in paraplegics is cardiorespiratory failure. This occurs due to a combination of a sedentary lifestyle combined with physical inactivity, which causes problems with the heart and lungs that can lead to cardiopulmonary arrest.
This arrest can be caused by a number of factors including blockages in the arteries of the heart, irregular heart rhythm, fluid in the lungs, embolisms, and brain tumors. The risk of death increases even further if the paraplegic has problems with their digestion or is obese.
Additionally, people who have been paraplegic for a long time may develop problems with their bony, muscular, respiratory, and circulatory systems which can all contribute to cardiorespiratory failure.
Can paraplegics regain bowel control?
Yes, it is possible for paraplegics to regain bowel control. This is known as bowel management and involves the use of laxatives, dietary changes, and medications to improve colonic motility. Bowel management also typically involves relaxation techniques that aid the relaxation of the sphincter muscles, thereby aiding the normal passing of stool.
Regular toileting habits and a diet rich in fiber can further help reduce constipation, improve bowel function, and ultimately restore normal bowel function. Physical therapy, such as electrical stimulation of the spine and muscles, can also help increase sensation and stimulate the nerve pathways used for reflexes that control the muscles involved in defecation.
With proper instruction, paraplegics can gain better control of the pelvic floor muscles and become more integrated with the rhythm of their bowels. In addition, stimulation of the nerves in the lower spinal cord can be a key factor in improving bowel control for paraplegics.
How do people with spinal cord injuries poop?
People with spinal cord injuries poop in much the same way that a person without a spinal cord injury does. For those that can still feel their rectum and anus, they are able to go normally. For those that can’t feel it, people usually rely on digital stimulation which involves inserting a finger into the rectum to stimulate the bowel and help it move stool.
Additionally, medications can also be used to help relax the bowel and push stool out. People with spinal cord injuries may also require assistance with manual evacuation, which is when an enema bag is used to manually push the stool out.
Finally, people with spinal cord injuries may require help with bowel care, which involves using moistened cotton balls and wipes to manually clean the rectal area.
How do paraplegics empty their bowels?
Paraplegics who are unable to control their bowel movements may require a variety of techniques to help empty their bowels. Methods utilized may depend on the type and cause of paralysis, as well as the level of independence of the individual.
Digital evacuation is a common technique used by paraplegics that requires assistance from a caretaker. It is done by inserting a finger into the anal cavity to help manually push out the bowel. This method is not suitable for individuals who are already dependent on care since it requires a high degree of independent mobility.
Tapotement is another help rhythmic massage which is performed near the abdomen. This technique can help to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system resulting in the relaxation of the muscles around the large intestine.
This relaxation can elicit a surge of peristalsis allowing for passage of the stool.
If digital evacuation and tapotement are not successful, doctors may prescribe medications for the management of constipation. This can be in the form of stimulant, osmotic or lubricant laxatives. Stimulant laxatives stimulate the muscle contractions of the large intestine, osmotic laxatives increase the amount of water in the stool, and lubricant laxatives coat the stool and reduce surface tension making it easier to pass.
In addition to medications, individuals should make dietary changes to keep the bowels healthy and functioning. This includes increasing the amount of fibers and fluids in the diet, as well as avoiding unhealthy foods and drinks.
Regular physical activity may also improve bowel movements.
Acute episodes of constipation may require the use of rectal enemas, suppositories, and even manual evacuation of the bowel by an experienced healthcare provider for severely affected individuals. Ultimately, the method used for helping paraplegic individuals empty their bowels should be tailored to the individual’s health and mobility levels.
Does Viagra work for paralyzed men?
Viagra does not usually work for paralyzed men. While Viagra (or other ED medications) can improve the capacity for an erection in men who are not paralyzed, it does not usually help men who are paralyzed from the waist down due to nerve damage or other spinal injuries.
This is because Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, and when the nerves to the pelvic area that normally facilitate this process are damaged, the medication may not be effective. However, there are other treatments available, such as penile injections, that may be more effective for paralyzed men.
In addition, some men may benefit from psychological counseling, lifestyle changes, and other treatments pertaining to maintaining sexual health. It is important to discuss any questions or concerns with a doctor, who can help come up with viable options and treatment plans.
How to pleasure a man who is impotent?
When it comes to pleasuring a man who is impotent, it is important to remember that it is possible to still enjoy pleasurable and intimate experiences despite impotence. Speak openly and honestly with your partner about what they are comfortable with and find out more about their needs.
Discuss the physical changes that have occurred and develop a plan on how to best manage those changes. Some options may include injecting medication into the penis, using vacuum pumps, or other assistive devices to help with erections, as well as manual stimulation or oral sex.
Mutual touching, caressing and other forms of physical closeness may also be options. If a man has difficulty achieving an erection, then focusing on areas such as the nipples, inner thigh, perineum and scrotum, can be enjoyable as it increases blood flow and sensitivity in the area.
Take things slow, experiment with new techniques, and communicate often – it is important to remember that even without an erection, a man can experience pleasure, emotional intimacy and connection with a partner.
