Can Qigong Help Ease Pain for Those with Spinal Injuries?

Chronic pain is a big problem for many people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). In fact, about 7 out of 10 adults with SCI deal with this kind of pain. The usual way to handle it is with medication, but this comes with its own set of issues. Medication can be addictive and often has unwanted side effects. So, people are looking for other ways to manage pain. One method that's gaining attention is Qigong. It's a mind-body practice that's easy to do, even for those with SCI. There's some evidence that it can help reduce pain, but not enough to make strong recommendations. Before jumping into a big study, researchers need to check a few things. First, they need to see if Qigong is feasible and acceptable for adults with SCI who face health disparities. Not everyone has the same access to resources or support. Second, they need to figure out if a study design with a control group will work. This means comparing a group that does Qigong to a group that doesn't. Lastly, they need to find objective ways to measure the outcomes. This means using clear, measurable results to see if Qigong really helps. A small study already showed that Qigong is doable for non-Hispanic White adults with SCI. But to make sure it works for everyone, more research is needed. The goal is to find a safe, effective way to manage chronic pain without relying too much on medication.