Chiropractic Treatment is Very Successful for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is an autoimmune disease where the immune system begins to destroy the outer layer of tissue that surrounds and protects the nerves, also known as myelin, in the brain and spinal cord.

Due to the deterioration of the myelin, it causes a lack of communication between the nerves and brain. When the body attacks itself causes a disruption but after a period of time the nerves become destroyed and as a result there is debilitating complications.

Primarily people who are between the ages of 20-40 years old.  The result of the inflammation is that it causes pain and compromises joint mobility. MS often causes other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease of which cause excruciating pain.

There are many symptoms that go along with autoimmune disorders such as muscle spasms, changes in brain functions, including memory loss and depression.

It is common for Multiple Sclerosis to take time for a medical doctor to diagnose. This is a very tricky diagnosis due to many autoimmune diseases have the same symptoms and the disease also has a habit of being severe or mild and even goes into remission.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), often with gadolinium enhancement is the master in diagnosing MS. The patient will often have several attacks followed by a period of being symptom-free and after the cycle is consistent the medical doctor will prescribe for an MRI. The MRI usually will reveal lesions in the brain and/or spinal cord; in addition, a cerebrospinal fluid analysis for immunoglobulin content will be performed by a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

The first line of treatment is usually immunosuppressant therapy which knocks down the immune system. Unfortunately, it comes with its own complications such as liver or kidney damage. These medications often cause side effects that mimic the disease itself with pain and stiffness, overall lethargy, and dizziness. Pain medications do help during extreme flair ups but cannot be a consistent life long treatment due to the chance of addiction and being that the FDA has done a “crackdown” on the amount that can be prescribed and who can prescribe them.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such as Chiropractic is an excellent way to manage the pain and discomfort that comes with Multiple Sclerosis. By no means is this a single alternative for medical treatment with pharmaceuticals but in addition to the treatment regimen, it can promote a better quality of life.

Chiropractic manipulations will help realign both the spine and the pelvis that is altered due to the progression of the disease. This will assist the muscles to work more efficiently and gain some tone which can prevent deterioration. MS can cause what is called foot drop and this can alter your gait and cause pain in the lower back and hip of which can be treated with holistic medicine. Chiropractic care can improve the alignment of the neck for many patients with MS complain of pain due to the misalignment of C1 and C2 vertebrae.  If you or a loved one suffers with any autoimmune disease and your standard of care could use a lifeline call Chiropractic Clinics of South Florida 877-881-4878.