Chiropractic Health -- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

The pathological process involved in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease, is the loss of myelin sheaths surrounding axons in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Common early manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis (MS] include paresthesias (numbness / tingling in extremities), optic neuritis (vision loss), mild sensory or motor symptoms in a limb, and cerebellar incoordination (balance loss).

Although the most common course of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a relapsing and remitting pattern over many years, the manifestation in each patient varies. In most cases, as the disease progresses, remissions become less complete. Some patients have only a few brief episodes of disability, whereas others have a relentless downhill course over months or weeks. Although not all patients become disabled, the end stage of MS often can include ataxia (inability to coordinate voluntary movement), incontinence, paraplegia, and mental dysfunction due to widespread cerebral and spinal cord demyelination.


How Upper Cervical Care Relates to Multiple Sclerosis

While medical science has not determined the exact cause of MS, recent research is pointing towards a possible trauma-induced origin for MS. Evidence supports that trauma (in particular mild concussive injury to the head, neck or upper back) increases the risk of MS onset and/or formation of MS lesions. Following the trauma, MS symptoms can take months or years to develop.

The purpose of upper cervical care is to reverse the trauma-induced upper neck injury; thereby eliminating adverse effects upon the brain. While many MS sufferers recall specific traumas such as head injuries, auto accidents or falls, some do not. An upper cervical examination is necessary in each individual's case to assess whether an upper cervical injury is present and whether benefit from upper cervical care can be achieved.