A new study indicated that half of those with thoracic spinal cord injuries may still have some connectivity. This is a revolutionary discovery given that it was previously thought a complete spinal cord injury spelt the end of any sensory nerve connections. 

The blind study was carried out by Neuroscience Research Australia, HammondCare, and The University of Sydney, with a breakthrough published in January this year. It was found that half of the 23 patients with thoracic spinal cord injuries had surviving sensory nerve connections. 

During the study, each of the 23 patients, and 21 subjects with no spinal injuries were placed into a highly advanced MRI machine to register the brain’s response. Scientists touched each person’s toes then analysed the data received by the MRI machine. The results were astounding, with over half of those with spinal injuries registering the touch, even if their bodies didn’t. 

As a result, scientists were able to prove that in some cases, even if a patient has a complete thoracic spine injury, some sensory pathways can be preserved and the message is getting through to the brain loud and clear. 

This new research, which is part of a long-standing relationship between researchers, opens up a whole new world of possibilities for those with seemingly permanent disabilities. While it’s too early to tell what can happen with science in the future, it does mean that new avenues for research and treatment can be opened. The ultimate goal, of course, is to restore some function, sensation, and movement to those suffering from spinal cord injuries. 

One such treatment avenue that scientists may yet delve into after identifying those with sensory nerve connections is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS works by using a changing magnetic field to cause an electric current to flow through the brain. A magnetic field coil is placed near the head of the patient which connects to a stimulator that delivers the current to the coil. 

Typically, this treatment method is used to evaluate damage by measuring connections between the skeletal muscle and the central nervous system for those suffering from conditions such as a stroke, motor neuron disease, movement disorders and multiple sclerosis. It has also been used to treat neuropathic pain. 

While it may be beneficial for these conditions, TMS treatment does have adverse side effects, including hearing loss, fainting, seizures and cognitive changes. Further research into TMS and other possible treatment methods is necessary to see if it may benefit those with spinal cord injuries in light of this new, breaking study. 

While the study does prove that sensory nerve connections are present in those previously thought to have no sensation at all, there is still a long way to go until anything can be done with this information. Time will only tell what this revolutionary break-through spells for those with spinal cord injuries. 

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 Head of cauliflower, roughly chopped 
• 1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped 
• 1 Tbsp oil for cooking 
• 2 Cloves garlic, crushed 
• 1 small chilli, finely chopped 
• 1 lemon, juice and zest 
• 1 handful green herbs, chopped
  eg. Parsley, mint 
• Salt and pepper, to taste 

METHOD

1. Blitz cauliflower in a food processor for only a few seconds, until the mixture resembles rice or couscous. 
2. Pile into a tea towel and squeeze excess liquid out. Removing the liquid at the beginning avoids too much steaming during cooking. 
3. Toast the almonds in a dry pan over a medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir continuously to avoid burning. Set aside. 
4. Heat oil in a pan and cook garlic and chilli on medium heat for a couple of minutes. 
5. Add cauliflower and cook for about 5 minutes. 
6. Stir in lemon, parsley, almonds and salt and pepper. 
7. Heat for 1 minute, and then serve. 

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Humans are not born to wear shoes, but they are a form of protection as you go about your daily business. They protect your feet from bacteria, infections, harmful surfaces and materials like glass, and uncomfortable temperatures.

However, experts say that walking barefoot can restore your natural gait, and work certain muscle groups to strengthen your body. It can offer better foot mechanics and positioning as you walk, and stronger legs to support your lower back. If your feet work better, then your core, knees, and hips can as well. You may also notice improvements in your balance.

Shoes that don’t fit properly can cause bunions, blisters and deformities, so you could say goodbye to those too. As you can see, there is plenty to love about bare feet, but that doesn’t mean you should suddenly stop wearing shoes.

You need to start slow to strengthen your feet over time. Begin with short sessions, letting your ankles and feet adjust to using different muscle groups. Participate in barefoot activities such as yoga, and go barefoot around the house. Balance exercises should also form part of your “going bare” plan.

When you decide to leave the house with no shoes, be wary of all hazards. Start on safe surfaces such as sand or grass, and ease up if you feel any pain or discomfort. If you are prone to infections or wounds, then choosing light, minimalist footwear may be a better option for you.
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There are many benefits of walking without shoes, but you must take all safety precautions. Consult your chiropractor for advice, or if you plan on completing any vigorous exercises without footwear.

If you work in a mouse-heavy industry, such as graphic design or architecture, then it’s not uncommon to experience fatigue and pain. Weeks of mouse use without support can lead to repetitive strain injury and irritation – particularly around your shoulder region. Such pain is often a sign of a condition called ‘’mouse shoulder’’.

Mouse shoulder is caused by the repetitive, slight movements of your hands and fingers as you use your computer mouse. These small muscles become fatigued, causing larger muscles groups to compensate, resulting in more widespread discomfort. Before you know it, you’re in that much pain that you struggle with everyday tasks.

If you notice any tension or aches after frequent computer use, there are several things you can do. See your chiropractor for treatment, and invest time in setting up an ergonomic workstation.

Pay attention to your mouse, monitor, seating, and comfort. Your elbows should be relaxed at your sides, your screen and mouse centred in front of you, and your chair adjusted with armrests to support your forearms.

You may even find it useful to invest in support pads for your wrists, an ergonomic mouse that fits your hand size, and a special keyboard that promotes natural movement. Taking 15-second breaks every hour to give your arms and hands a break, is also crucial.
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If you see your chiropractor for assistance, they may recommend a manual or instrument-assisted treatment method to alleviate mouse shoulder and associated pain. Every treatment plan is unique to you and the symptoms you present with. If you have any questions, or need help with your discomfort, consult your chiropractor.​

Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can include in your diet, but cauliflower, another cruciferous family member, is equal to its greener counterpart as a nutrition powerhouse.

Adding one cup of cooked cauliflower to your dinner plate can offer up to 77 percent of your daily intake of Vitamin C, 19 percent of your daily Vitamin K, and eight percent of your daily Manganese amount. It’s also only 25 calories, making it a nutrient-rich vegetable that doesn’t add a lot to your daily total.

Everyone knows that colourful vegetables tend to offer the most health benefits, but people are starting to understand that cauliflower is an exception to that rule. It might not be the prettiest vegetable, but it is rich in vitamins, folate, fibre, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. What’s more, you can also buy it in orange, purple, and green – with orange cauliflower offering 25 times as much vitamin A as white cauliflower. It’s clear to see why it ranks within the 25 most nutrient-rich vegetables in existence.

Cauliflower has numerous health benefits. Its vitamins and minerals can fight free radicals to reduce the risk of cancer and
heart disease, while the fibre content is beneficial for digestive health. Studies, such as a review in the Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, show an association between a high consumption of cruciferous vegetables and a reduced risk of cancer.

If you need another reason to consume more cauliflower, it has great versatility. You can eat it raw, sautéed, boiled, roasted, or even in pizza dough or as a sauce base. Include it as part of your five cup minimum weekly recommendation for cruciferous vegetables, and get creative with how you serve it.
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Although cauliflower is generally safe to eat, increased consumption may cause bloating and wind. If you are on blood- thinning medication, keep your vitamin K intake consistent every week.

Keep an eye out for an exciting Cauliflower recipe next week!