Multiple sclerosis, a chronic and often debilitating disease that affects central nervous system functioning, afflicts an estimated 1 million people around the world. Twice as many women as men suffer from this condition, with most people noticing their first symptoms between ages 20 and 40.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary, but depending on the number of nerves involved and their location. They may include:
- Partial or complete loss of eyesight in both eyes, although one is usually affected first, then the other
- Pain and/or tingling in parts of the body
- Weakness in the limbs, generally on one side of the body, or in the lower half of the body
- Fatigue
- Loss of coordination/dizziness
Some people with MS may also develop muscle stiffness, difficulties with their bladder or bowel function, sexual dysfunction, slurred speech and paralysis. Others experience changes in their mental state which may include forgetfulness or problems with concentration.
Most doctors and researchers hold the belief that MS is an autoimmune disease, a disease that causes your immune system to attack proteins in the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that protects nerve fibers in your brain and spine, as though they were foreigners in your body.
The myelin sheath becomes inflamed and eventually, so do the nerves it protects. Scarring results and eventually the toll this takes slows down or blocks the nerves that control muscle coordination, strength, sensation and vision, leaving you severely debilitated.
Others feel that there may be some type of genetic link to MS. Some researchers believe MS may be related to a protein that acts just like the myelin protein, that may enter the body when a virus is present.
How Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Help Those with Multiple Sclerosis?
The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) technique has developed a highly advanced spinal correction procedure that repositions the weight of the head over the center of the neck to remove nerve compression and restore balance to the body.
When questioned by an upper cervical chiropractor, many MS patients can recall an event that produced head/neck trauma prior to the onset of their condition. Many of these events are included in the following categories:
- automobile accidents
- falls
- sports-related accidents
The MS symptoms show up at varying times after the traumatic event.
Using paraspinal digital infrared imaging/surface EMG and laser-aligned radiography, a chiropractor can usually detect the presence of an upper cervical subluxation (misalignment of the upper cervical spine).
The NUCCA procedure uses a gentle touch and a controlled adjustment to the first vertebra of the spine, commonly called the Atlas. This adjustment often corrects any misalignments in the spinal column which irritate the nerves that run from the brain and spinal cord to the blood vessels in the head.
The effects of this single adjustment to the Atlas influence the entire spine and nervous system and allow the head, neck, spine and pelvis to return to their proper positions, restoring balance to the body. Recent research, post-adjustment MRIs, post-adjustment thermographic scans and a neurologist’s evaluation has shown good results with NUCCA Upper Cervical Chiropractic.
Although upper cervical care does not cure MS, patients may confirm that the intervention of the NUCCA adjustment has halted some of the symptoms associated with MS. Correcting an injury to the upper cervical spine through the use of NUCCA chiropractic adjustments may help relieve some of the symptoms associated with MS within a relatively short period of time.
Eighty-One Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease Undergoing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care to Correct Vertebral Subluxation: A Retrospective Analysisby Erin L. Elster, DC. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. August 2004. (PDF)
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If you have tried everything but you have not tried Upper Cervical Care, Multiple Sclerosis symptom relief may be a phone call away. If you or someone you know may benefit from NUCCA chiropractic care, call the office today at 425-437-9974 and Dr. Schallmann at Back In Balance Chiropractic will be glad to discuss them personally.
