Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects millions of people worldwide annually, presenting significant challenges in functional recovery despite therapeutic advancements. Current treatment strategies predominantly focus on stabilizing the spinal cord and facilitating neural repair, yet their effectiveness remains uncertain and controversial. Recent scientific investigations have explored the potential of probiotics and postbiotics to modulate inflammation, influence neurotransmitters, and aid in tissue repair, marking a potential paradigm shift in SCI management. This review critically evaluates these innovative approaches, emphasizing their ability to harness the natural properties of microorganisms within the body to potentially enhance outcomes in SCI treatment. By analyzing the latest research findings, this review provides valuable insights into how probiotics and postbiotics can revolutionize inflammation management and neurological recovery following SCI, underscoring their promising role in future therapeutic strategies aimed at improving the quality of life of SCI patients globally.
Keywords: Gut–brain axis; Neuroinflammation; Postbiotics; Probiotics; Spinal cord injury (SCI).
© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.