Chiropractic Can Improve Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
By Chris Brown
Multiple sclerosis is a scary disease that worsens over time and has no specific known cause. It can wear a sufferer down over months or years with periods of worsening and seeming remission. However, oftentimes the remission periods decrease as the disease progresses. Chiropractic, as a facilitator of improved nervous system function, can be a low-risk tool to help extend and improve the remission periods as well as slow the progression of the multiple sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis: The Devastating Degenerative Disease of the Nerves
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease in which the body attacks its own nerves' protective covering. This results in brain-body miscommunications and reduced information transfer. Ultimately, it progressively reduces motor control and causes neurologic changes, such as forgetfulness and mood swings. Paralysis of the legs is also common in late-stage MS. While it worsens over time, the effects of MS can be slowed, reduced, or partially reversed with certain therapies, medications, or blood transfusions. Because the core of MS involves the central nervous system, chiropractic manipulation is specifically equipped to help periods of remission for MS patients.
Research of Chiropractic's Role in Reducing Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Several studies are now linking chiropractic manipulation with "dramatic symptomatic relief" of MS symptoms. Because chiropractic eases the dysfunctional inefficiencies of joints, it can secondarily make movement easier as muscles are weakened by the disease (since less muscular strength is required to move an optimally moving joint). Additionally, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society acknowledges that chiropractic vertebral manipulations (especially with the upper spine) have shown promise in relieving the degree of some MS symptoms.
In one investigation of 77 MS patients, C1-C2 vertebral subluxation adjustments resulted in symptomatic improvements and measured spinal fluid drainage. Plenty of more research is required to determine just how much chiropractic can benefit sufferers of MS. However, given chiropractic's success promoting central nervous system communication through the removal of subluxations, there may be many beneficial applications for patients with medical complications from multiple sclerosis.
The impacts of multiple sclerosis can be eased at a stress-free, walk-in session at one of The Joint Chiropractic's 600-plus nationwide clinics. Adjustments are affordable without insurance so, with night and weekend hours available at many locations, there is no excuse not to try the wonders of chiropractic for yourself.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Coral Springs, Fla.