HARMONY IN HEALING: INTEGRATING TRADITIONAL CHINESE AND MODERN MEDICINE FOR THE FUTURE OF TSCI TREATMENT

Abstract

Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (TSCI) stands as a globally impactful and devastating event, often resulting in permanent disability. With an annual incidence affecting 250,000 to 500,000 individuals and an estimated 2 to 3 million people worldwide living with TSCI-related disabilities, the magnitude of its consequences is profound. Notably, the incidence of TSCI varies significantly across continents, with Asia reporting rates ranging from 12.06 to 61.6 per million, Europe from 10.4 to 29.7 per million, and North America from 27.1 to 83 per million. Motor vehicle accidents are the primary cause, although violence takes precedence in developing countries. Men, particularly young adults, bear the brunt, experiencing incidence rates 2 to 5 times higher than women.

Beyond the evident economic burden of medical costs, individuals with TSCI grapple with a spectrum of physiological, emotional, and financial challenges post-injury. Despite primarily affecting young adults, the incidence among older adults is rising, primarily due to falls. Regrettably, effective treatments to enhance functional recovery in paraplegia or quadriplegia following TSCI remain elusive. In this context, the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emerges as a promising avenue, supported by both extensive experimental and clinical research.

This review explores the unique advantages of TCM in treating TSCI, presenting a new direction for scholars and clinicians alike. Modern rehabilitation measures synergistically combine with TCM approaches, including acupuncture, massage, and herbal treatments, forming a comprehensive and cost-effective TCM rehabilitation program. This holistic approach is gaining recognition for its simplicity, convenience, and efficacy in the rehabilitation process of spinal cord injuries. By examining the current landscape of TSCI, its demographic variations, and the potential of TCM interventions, this review aims to contribute to the evolving discourse on effective and inclusive approaches to TSCI management