About Spinal cord Injury (SCI)

The spinal cord is an extremely sensitive area of the body that transmits the necessary vibrations and messages from the brain to the body. 

The slightest intrusion alters this communication, not necessary paralysing a part of the body but altering the sensations.

All movements are dealt with instinctively. When we suffer a spinal cord injury and become paralysed we do not think about our limbs moving. This is due to the fact that we never normally think about - or pay specific attention to - our limbs and the way they move or function at any time.

The suggestion given by medical experts after a person has suffered a spinal cord injury, especially the statement “You will never walk again”, is deeply affecting. It embeds in the mind and paralyses further. 

The mind shuts down communication between the brain and our limbs. We become more disconnected from our limbs and forget about natural limb function, until the whole process becomes a distant memory.

In all cases of spinal cord injury these changes are interpreted negatively, further paralysing the will to motivate the limbs towards moving again.

When hope is given, and the suggestion of being paralysed for life is eliminated, everyone will have the chance and the choice to become motivated to overcome disability, to learn new ways and methods to overcome all difficulties. This will open the door to recovery from paralysis.

All those with spinal cord injury who refuse to accept paralysis at the early stages of their injury manage over time to regain sensations, as well as control of their body.

The memory of movement remains fresh in the mind and the refusal to accept paralysis keeps the mind active and the instinctive connection open. 

Understanding Spinal cord Injury (SCI)

Individuals with spinal cord injury have used the power of the mind at The Mind Clinic to overcome their disability or even walk again.

Individuals with spinal cord injury who choose acceptance learn how to overcome depression. They learn how to think about and understand the world and their disability from a different, healthier perspective. 

Whether the spinal cord is compressed, complete or incomplete, infected, or accidentally injured due to an operation, all those who wish to change are given the necessary guidance and manage to overcome their disability in one form or another. All those who want to achieve something more manage to do so. 

When the will is applied effectively it is possible for the messages to flow, allowing the energy to travel and increase. 

The brain will either divert the energy using an alternative route, or travel directly through the injury point. Whichever way, a connection for sensation and movement in the limbs can be created.

This process is yet to be proved conclusively from a medical point of view, as the spiritual, emotional or mental elements have not yet been fully combined or understood.

Ultimately, we possess a mind, a brain, a body and a spirit and we must always strive to use that power in every way.  We can create the necessary changes using our own willpower so doors on to life can open for us.

Spinal cord injuries that have been present for a number of years may have no sensation, spasm or movement at all, as the memory for movement has been totally forgotten. Nevertheless, with the application of alternative thought to these conditions and the commitment to want change, improvements can begin to show at whatever stage the condition may be at, regardless of a preconceived understanding of impossibility. 

The most effective and important aspect for all spinal cord injury cases is to begin rehabilitation immediately after recovery from surgery, as individuals are still aware of their limbs and the idea of tensing and relaxing is fresh in the mind.

Reconnecting through mental-physical rehabilitation is the most important factor for any restoration to occur.

Questions and Answers for Spinal cord Injury (SCI)

Q. I have a T12 spinal cord injury. Is it possible for me to walk again, and how long would it take?

A. It is possible that you may walk again. It is impossible to judge or predict how long it will take as the rate of development for rebuilding the muscular system takes time.

The injury may be at the same level as others and of the same magnitude but the influence that takes place varies considerably.

Some individuals who pursue more physical activity, by not accepting the disability from the time of injury, remain physically and mentally active. Despite having no sensation, individuals have the ability to tense a muscle or pull a tendon.

Some people learn very quickly and react immediately but others in the same situation do not.

The most important issue here is to have the drive and the desire to improve. Focus will shift on to achievement rather than disappointment.

Some changes can take place within 2 to 3 weeks and others in 2 to 5 months. Full recovery to the point of walking will take anything between 2 to 5 years depending on your individual situation.

If rehabilitation takes place immediately after the injury there is a better chance of becoming mobile more quickly.

There must be a 100% focus towards improvement so that instinctive movement returns and the physical body comes back to life. Hard work and unwavering determination is vital if you intend to reach the objective to walk again.

Q. How can I exercise, and will it do any good?

A. Even if you have no desire to walk again exercise is very important as it increases circulation and ensures no secondary complications like pressure sores or infections, etc.

The process of wasting and shrinking occurs naturally due to the lack of movement. The building up of muscles and the strengthening of tendons begins to take place when there is activity.

In both cases when the mind is focused on the limbs, they begin to regain the necessary fat to help rebuild the muscles. This can take place within 3 to 4 months once the diet is altered and the attention is focused on both mental and physical activity.

Exercising arms and legs on a semi-recumbent cycle will help to keep the muscles active, which will increase sensation and movement.

Physical exercise is always a good thing, but if you are exercising to regain movement sensation and walking you will require more than just physical exercise.

Mental and emotional stability must be exercised too. If these aspects are not corrected, the body will not respond.

The instinctive aspect of the mind must be engaged so that all bodily function returns naturally.