Download Conditions Page 5

Conditions Page 5
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially debilitating neurological disease
affecting the brain, brain stem and spinal cord. More than one million people around
the world are affected by MS. It is an unpredictable disease and varies in severity,
from a mild illness in some to permanent disability in others.
Symptoms typically begin between ages 20 and 40, and often include feelings of
numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, difficulty walking, impaired balance,
muscle weakness, visual disturbances and memory loss. Women are diagnosed 2:1
compared to men, but the reason for this currently is unknown.
The degenerative process of MS is called demyelination. It is the destruction of a
fatty substance, called myelin, which coats and protects nerve fibers. In patients
with MS, the body wrongly destroys the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves.
The myelin becomes inflamed and swollen and detaches from the nerve fibers. In its
place, firm or hardened (sclerosed) patches of scar tissue form. This damage
eventually causes interruptions or blockages of nerve signals from the brain, brain
stem and spinal cord.
New and relevant research on upper cervical care has demonstrated a correlating
link between MS and the upper cervical spine. Although upper cervical care is
not considered a cure for those with MS, studies are finding tremendous benefits for
those suffering with the disease. A thorough evaluation by a specialized upper
cervical doctor can determine whether careful upper cervical corrections can help a
patient with multiple sclerosis.
Seizure Disorder & Epilepsy
According to the Center for Disease Control1, more than two million people in the
United States (about 1 in 150) have experienced a seizure at some time or have been
diagnosed with a seizure disorder. Seizure disorder is a relatively common
condition caused by the abnormal function of the brain and nervous system.
Patients who experience seizures more than once are diagnosed with epilepsy.
Nearly 2.5 million Americans have epilepsy and 125,000 people are newly
diagnosed with the condition each year in the United States.
Symptoms of a seizure can include uncontrollable convulsions, staring, muscle
spasms or episodes of impaired consciousness. The severity of symptoms can vary
from person to person, but no seizure occurs without great risk.
Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can potentially affect the function of the
brain stem and trigger malfunctions in the brain, leading to the development of a
seizure disorder. As both a preventative method and interventional option for
1
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutepilepsy/
symptoms, upper cervical care is safe and beneficial to patients suffering from
seizures and epilepsy.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
It has been described by patients as one of the most excruciating forms of pain
known to man. Often referred to as the “suicide disease,” Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
is a disorder of the trigeminal nerve that produces sudden, intense pain in areas of
the face where nerves branch out to the nose, lips, ears, eyes, scalp, forehead,
tongue, and upper and lower jaw. TN usually affects only one side of the face, with
pain often increasing in severity and frequency over time.
While this condition is still being researched, studies have discovered a connection
between TN symptoms and misalignments of the upper cervical spine. Injury or
trauma to the neck can result in irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve, which
originates in the brain stem/upper spinal cord. Symptoms may not always show up
immediately after an injury, but may develop months or years afterward if a
misalignment if left untreated.
In a scientific study conducted by Dr. Roger Hinson and Dr. Susan Brown2, TN
patients received upper cervical care over the course of ten weeks. The study
yielded impressive results as all participants reported significant pain relief within
the first four weeks of care with continued gradual improvement over time.
Research director Dr. Roger Hinson suggests that an upper cervical misalignment
may contribute to a hyperactive state of the trigeminal nerve, thereby causing the
severe facial pain associated with TN.
2
http://www.upcspine.com/reslib3.asp?id=83&cat=3