Skalp acupuncture: quick recovery after spinal cord injury
Skalp acupuncture: quick recovery after spinal cord injury
spinal cord injuries (SCI) are among the main causes of lifelong motor impairments and are often accompanied by considerable follow -up complications. Different treatment approaches are necessary to promote early functional recovery. As a rule, this includes operations, stem cell therapy, medication and physiotherapy. However, the latest research also shows promising results when using acupuncture to promote neuronal plasticity.
A new report describes a case in which a spinal cord injury was available in the form of a vertebral break at height L3. The patient was treated with acupuncture on the scalp in combination with physiotherapeutic exercises over 21 days. Already after the first day of treatment, activation of the motor area in the brain was observed. The patient was able to completely regain the strength and range of movement in the knees. After 21 days there were significantly improved motor relaxation and functional results that could not be observed in the six months before.
These results suggest that the combination of scalp acupuncture and intensive physiotherapy can significantly contribute to motor recovery after a spinal cord injury. If this therapy is used in the future, there could be a rethink in the previous SCI treatment routine by focusing more on complementary, non-invasive treatment methods.
Basic terms and concepts:
- spinal cord injury (SCI): a damage to the spinal cord, which leads to partial or complete loss of motor function and/or sensitivity.
- neural plasticity: The ability of the nervous system to adapt to injuries or new experiences, often by the formation of new neuronal connections.
- acupuncture: an alternative medical practice in which fine needles are inserted at certain points of the body to relieve pain or improve functions.
- physiotherapy: treatment method to improve the physical function of patients through exercises, manual techniques and other therapeutic approaches.
- burst fracture: a specific type of vertebral fracture in which the vertebral body shattered into several parts.
abbreviations:
- sci: Spinal Cord Injury (spinal cord injury)
- l3: designation for the third lumbar vertebrae
meaning of the combination of head acupuncture and physiotherapy for spinal cord injuries
This study examines the use of head acupuncture in conjunction with intensive physiotherapy to promote motor recovery after a spinal cord injury (Spinal Cord Injury, SCI). The present case concerns a compression fracture at height L3, which represents one of the main causes of lifelong motor impairments and is associated with considerable secondary complications. Traditional forms of treatment include operations, stem cell therapy, drug treatment and physiotherapy. Acupuncture was given special attention because it can potentially modulate neuronal plasticity.
study results
- The patient received treatment for over 21 days, consisting of head acupuncture and inpatient physiotherapy.
- Already after the first day of treatment, activation of the motor area was determined.
- The patient gained full strength and range of motion in the knees.
- motor recovery and the functional results improved significantly compared to the six months before the start of therapy.
These results show that the combination of head acupuncture and intensive physiotherapy has the potential to significantly improve motor recovery after a spinal cord injury.
summary of the study
The main consequence of the study is that not only traditional treatment methods in spinal cord injuries should be taken into account, but also alternative approaches such as acupuncture can play a crucial role. The quick activation of the motor cortex and the significant improvement in functionality within the treatment period show the high potential of these combined therapy approaches. These observations suggest that integrative treatment, which includes various therapeutic modalities, can lead to better neurological and functional results.