Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
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.
Associations/Groups:
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 Mentoring
Virtual Support Groups
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
Center for Paralysis Research
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 program of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, providing a comprehensive, national source of information for people living with paralysis and their caregivers to promote health, foster involvement in the community and improve quality of life.
Pioneered by Dana Reeve, the Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Program awards grants to nonprofit organizations that serve the disability community. Learn more about the program and find out how to apply.
A cooperative network of cutting-edge rehabilitation centers designed to provide and develop therapies to promote functional recovery and improve the health and quality of life of people living with paralysis. NRN’s staff include directors, physicians, supervisors, physical therapists and rehab technicians. For information about enrollment at Boston Medical Center contact Jane Wierbicky, RN, at jane.wierbicky@bmc.org
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
United Spinal Association
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
Other Information:
Spinal Cord Injury Internet Guide
Boston University guide contains links to websites with information for all areas of living with spinal cord injuries.
SCI CareCure Community
The CareCure website is the largest, most active site in the world for people with spinal cord injuries, their families, caretakers, and medical personnel. Forums on many important topics such as equipment including computer technology, housing and home design, sports and recreation, school, work, travel and more. Part of the W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience.
Spinal Injury Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers:
We are pleased to announce the formation of the Spaulding New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center (SNERSCIC) Model System, representing a merger of the Spaulding-Harvard Spinal Cord Injury Model System and the New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center Model System.
Boston University Medical Campus
Talbot Building, T5W
715 Albany Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-638-7314
Phone: 855-607-1804 (toll free)
Email: SCIctr@bu.edu
Spaulding Rehab is one of the nation’s largest. The SCI program focuses on the restoration of the patient’s functional capabilities by maximizing physical health, improving psychological well-being and enhancing social support. Includes physical, occupational, speech, respiratory and therapeutic recreation therapists. Nursing and physician coverage are provided around the clock. Ranked as a top rehabilitation hospital by U.S. News & World Report.
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston
300 1st Avenue
Charlestown, MA 02129
Phone: 617-573-7000
Rehabilitation for spinal cord injury that is powered by a team of highly qualified experts using advanced technology and treatments.
22 State Street
Ludlow, MA 01056
Phone: 413-308-3380
Fact Sheet last updated on: 8/20/2024
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