Objective To study the effects of hydrogen gas breathing on function recovery following clamp-induced spinal cord injury in mice. Methods A total of 36 male C57 mice were divided into 3 groups: sham group, spinal cord injury group and hydrogen treatment group (n=12 in each group). Animal model of clamp-induced spinal cord injury was made and a 66.7% hydrogen-4 times/day-3 days profile was given to animals in the hydrogen treatment group. The neuronal and motor function recovery following spinal cord injury was evaluated by general observation, BMS score, BBB score, and footprint analysis. Western blotting analysis was used to examine Caspase-3 protein expression; H-E and Nissl staining were also performed 7 days after the surgery. Results Compared with the spinal cord injury group, the BMS score and BBB score were significantly increased after hydrogen treatment (P<0.05). Moreover, Western blotting analysis showed that hydrogen treatment decreased apoptosis associated Caspase-3 protein expression; footprint analysis and histological examination also demonstrated great improvement. Conclusion Inhalation of hydrogen gas has a protective effect against clamp-induced spinal cord injury in mice, which may be a potential strategy for future application in clinical practice.