ESWT for UE Pain in Patients With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

The Effects of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for Upper Extremity Pain Related to Spasticity in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for upper extremity pain related to spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury.

6 times of ESWT (3,000 pulses per time, low energy under 0.3 mJ/m^2, tolerable range) on forearm area to reduce pain related to spasticity in patients with cervical myelopathy

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Spinal cord damage confirmed in the spinal cord image
2. 1 month after spinal cord injury
3. Spasticity of upper extremities
4. Pain in areas below spinal cord injury more than 4 points on the numerical scale (NRS)
5. Cognitive functions that can clearly point out NRS with more than 15 points in the mini mental state examination (MMSE)
6. Age: 20 and older
7. Person who has agreed in writing to decide his or her participation and comply with the precautions

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pain due to trauma
2. Injection treatments two weeks before participating in the study
3. Severe coagulopathy (excluding antiplatelet use)
4. Impaired cognition