A spinal cord injury (SCI) usually begins with a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates vertebrae. The damage begins at the moment of injury when displaced bone fragments, disc material, or ligaments bruise or tear into spinal cord tissue. Spinal cord injury results in a complex system of processes that lead to the inability of the spinal cord to transmit nerve signals from the brain to the muscles of the body and from the sensory organs back to the brain. Some injuries will allow almost complete recovery. Others will result in complete paralysis.
United Spinal Association Greater Boston Chapter
More than 15 individuals (peer mentors) who give their time to meet individuals who are newly injured or living in the community.
New England Rehabilitation Hospital2 Rehabilitation WayWoburn, MA 01801
Phone: 617-952-5643
Email: sciboston@aol.com
Peer and Family Support
Support Groups and Discussion Meeting Times
American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)
Mission is to promote and establish standards for health care, education, to foster research and to facilitate communication between members.
9702 Gayton RoadSuite 306Richmond, VA 23238
Phone: 877-274-2724
Email: asia.office@asia-spinalinjury.org
The Center for Paralysis Research at Purdue University tests promising methods of treatment for spinal cord injuries.
408 South University Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Phone: 765-496-4749
Email: cpr@perdue.edu
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Team of information specialists is available to answer questions and provide individualized support. Web site has news, peer mentoring, resources, events and advocacy info as well as other information.
Call an Information and Referral Specialist at (800) 539-7309
636 Morris Turnpike Suite 3A
Short Hills, NJ 07078
Phone: 800-225-0292
A non-profit organization researching into cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. This site has been created as an information resource for interested individuals, organizations and governments who wish to understand more about, and perhaps, contribute to spinal cord injury research.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
This site is a resource center for veterans and for all Americans with a spinal cord injury or disease, as well as their families and the professional communities who serve them. Info on topics like veteran’s benefits, medical issues, accessible design, sports and recreation activities.
801 18th ST, NW
Washington DC 20006-3517
Phone: 800-424-8200
Email: info@pva.org
The UAB-SCIMS Information Network
Fact sheets, equipment info, accessibility, news, research projects, information and statistics.
UAB Model System Office of Research
1717 6th Ave South, SRC 529
Birmingham, AL 35249
Phone: 205-934-3283
Email: sciweb@uab.edu
Spinal Cord Injury Network International (SCINI)
Non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating access to quality health care by providing information and referral services to spinal-cord-injured individuals and their families.
Phone: 800-548-2673
Email: spinal@sonic.net
Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers and professionals.
75- 20 Astoria Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11370
Phone: 800-404-2898
Email: info@unitedpsinal.org
Spinal Cord Injury Internet Guide
Boston University guide contains links to websites with information for all areas of living with spinal cord injuries.
The art and science of managing therapies, routines, medication, supplies, equipment and everything else needed to maintain the spinal injured person in top health. Ask SCI-Nurses questions in the Care Forum, New SCI Forum, Relationships and Sexuality Forum, Transverse Myelitis & Atraumatic SCI, and other forums. Visit Caregiving, Equipment and Exercise Forums.
W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience
Therapies that restore function in spinal cord injury and related conditions. The Cure Forum contains comprehensive and up-to-date news on curing spinal cord injury. The Research Forums lists abstracts of the latest scientific articles on brain injury and stroke, neurodegeneration, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, spinal cord injury and stem cells.Exchange information about Clinical Trials, Equipment & Services, Doctors & Clinics
Fact Sheet last updated on: 3/21/2023
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