A group of researchers in Australia have found what they believe is a quick and safe method of treating spinal cord injury by using infrared light. If the treatment is successful, it would provide hope to millions of spinal cord injury sufferers in the US.

The treatment is actually a handheld device that emits infrared light of a specific wavelength. This infrared light then acts on the proteins that are found in the nerve cells in the damaged spinal cord injury site. According to assistant professor Lindy Fitzgerald of the University of Western Australia School of Biology, the light improves the actions of the proteins, and gives the cells more energy. That helps the cells function better, and this prevents the development of toxic free radicals.

Using infrared light seems to help control the growth of free radicals that can damage nerves. If the growth of these free radicals is not controlled, then it can lead to cell death in the damaged nerves. That can delay, or even obstruct recovery of the patient. With this infrared light-emitting device, doctors may be able to begin treating the site of the spinal cord injury as soon as the injury occurs. The device by itself, as news reports describe it, doesn't seem to be a complicated procedure. Preventing further deterioration of the cells could help in healing of the damaged nerves, thereby limiting the extent of the spinal cord injury.

According to estimates, approximately 2 million people in the United States live with a spinal cord injury. California spinal cord injury lawyers find that most of these injuries occur in auto and truck accidents. However, many are also caused by slip and fall accidents or because of spinal diseases that cause degeneration of the spinal cord.