Each year, there are an estimated 12 000 individuals who sustain a spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States. Improved understanding of the pathophysiology of SCI and its sequelae has over the past 50 years led to the development of medical treatments (especially urologic) that have enhanced short- and long-term survival from these injuries. The prevalence of individuals with SCI in this country is approximately 250 000 individuals; and beyond the incalculable personal consequences of these devastating neurologic injuries, substantial direct and indirect societal costs result from the sequelae of SCI including paralysis, sensory loss, chronic pain, decubiti and bladder and/or bowel incontinence
Quote from :http://www.americanchronicle.comAcupuncture and spinal cord injury are an ideal therapeutic match. It is important to understand that Traditional Chinese Medicine is not a form of magic. The scientific facts about spinal cord regeneration do not change and acupuncture can not do what is impossible. What it can do is to bring improvements in the quality of life to the patient who has suffered a severe spinal cord injury.
Clinical studies on the effect of acupuncture on spinal cord injuries have shown results of increased sensation, reduction of muscle spasms, and improved bowel and bladder function. Other studies have shown that the sooner after the trauma that the treatments are begun, the more dramatic the improvements in the control of spasms and increased function and sensation. The studies have also shown that the best results come from continued treatment over a long period of time. Some of the treatments had a duration of almost five years with treatments given at least twice a week.
Zak website:www.backachetherapy.co.uk
The physical and emotional consequences from a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be devastating. Loss of spinal cord function can affect activities that are autonomous (e.g. breathing) as well as thought-driven actions (e.g. driving). Both motor and sensory functions may be lost.
Yahoo news:NEW YORK – A U.S. biotech company says it plans to start this summer the world's first study of a treatment based on human embryonic stem cells — a long-awaited project aimed at spinal cord injury.
It has been recommended that acupuncture injury treatment begin immediately following the spinal cord injury. Many people are surprised to hear that you should receive acupuncture even during the acute stage of spinal cord shock. The reason for this is to reduce the development of spasms as soon as possible.Studies in Japan found that needle stimulation of acupuncture point bladder 33 significantly improved bladder incontinence. In Taiwan, it was found that cases receiving electroacupuncture achieved balance in far fewer days than those who did not receive acupuncture.
