Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis Helped with Chiropractic

From the August 7, 2017, issue of the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research comes a documented case study showing chiropractic creating the improvement in symptoms and the quality of life of a patient suffering with Multiple Sclerosis, (MS).

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society describes MS on their website by saying, "Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body." The study authors add to the explanation by saying, "Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disorder characterized by varied central nervous system (CNS) deficits, which occur unpredictably with remissions and recurring exacerbations."

The study reports that more than 2.3 million people worldwide have MS, of which 450,000 live in the U.S.. They estimate that one new case of MS is diagnosed each hour. Although most people diagnosed with MS will live a normal length of time, some more severe cases can lead to death. Neurological symptoms can include numbness, tingling, slurred speech, changes in cognition and vision, and in severe cases, paralysis.

In this case, a 26-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with MS went to the chiropractor. She was suffering with MS symptoms which included neck pain, muscle pain, stiffness, and tingling and numbness in the hands and neck. Her history revealed that 5 years earlier she had suffered a blow to the face. She decided to seek chiropractic because she had heard of the positive effects chiropractic could have on the symptoms of MS.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included thermographic heat readings, and both static and motion x-rays of sections of the spine. X-rays of the neck from the side view showed a reversal of the neck curve to an almost complete opposite of the normal forward neck curve. Based upon the findings, specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were given as determined by analysis.

After five weeks of care, a reassessment was performed to gauge the woman's progress. The woman reported marked improvement in a number of her original symptoms including her neck pain and stiffness, migraine headaches, and numbness in the hands and neck.

Follow-up x-rays of her neck showed improvement in the neck curvature with the curve still being reversed, but to a lesser degree. The study also records that the follow-up thermographic studies showed considerable improvement over the initial studies.

In their conclusion, the study authors explain how the chiropractic approach is different by saying, "Chiropractors are distinguished from other healthcare professionals by their proficiency in the detection and removal of vertebral subluxation, and chiropractic patients experience relief in symptomology as well as major shifts in their overall health under chiropractic care."