Dystonia and your Chiropractor

I came across a post on the American Dystonia Society Community center site....

I quote:

After incessantly researching almost every day and studying the spine, nervous system ect, I decided to look up upper cervical chiropractors in NJ. Dystonia can be caused by a maladjusted c1 an/or c2 vertebrae.

 One in Marlboro sounded interesting, so I called them. I had my first adjustment and X-rays taken & sure enough, my ATLAS c1 vertabrae was misaligned, pressing against those nerves. Here  are a few  links about ATLAS ORTHOGONAL position treatment.
What have you got to lose. THis vertebrae is so sensitive and vulnerable ANY slight accident or injury could put it out of position.

http://www.upcspine.com/tech2.htm

http://www.uccofmonmouth.com/

I urge EVERY Dystonia sufferer to check these links out.

Good luck and GODSPEED!

That got me thinking about dystonia and chiropractors...

Certainly some dystonia sufferers find relief....

Quote:
"The upper cervical area of the spine refers to the two vertebrae located at the top of the spine, directly underneath the head. C1 (known as Atlas,) along with C2 (known as Axis,) are chiefly responsible for the rotation and flexibility of the head and neck. Like the rest of the vertebrae, they are extremely vulnerable to injury and trauma, especially trauma to the head through auto or sporting accidents.

Because so many nerves transmit through the cervical region (to and from the brain,) trauma to this area results in problems throughout the body. This is where the relationship between the upper cervical area and cervical dystonia becomes evident. If these vertebrae become displaced, even slightly, the muscle spasms and pinched nerves typical of cervical dystonia can occur. Unless the neck injury is addressed, the dystonia symptoms persist.

Chiropractic care involves correcting the position of these injured cervical vertebrae, particularly C1 and C2. Realigning these vertebrae may reduce or eliminate cervical dystonia."

From this site..... 

"As most of you already know, dystonia is most often a neurophysiologic (or brain function) problem and not typically a pathology or disease. Consequently, it is not uncommon for dystonic patients to have many diagnostic tests return as negative and find themselves no closer to an answer. The reality of physiology versus pathology is of key importance to the treatment of dystonia. Though pathologic lesions need to be treated medically with surgery, radiation, etc., physiologic lesions typically do not necessitate such invasive treatment. The good news is that physiologic lesions can often be treated with physical interventions. Chiropractic neurology is a brain-based physical intervention. I often refer to this work as brain-based rehabilitation. In order for successful rehabilitation to be possible it is necessary for both the physical symptoms (muscle spasms, tremors, pain, decreased range of motion) and the neurologic mechanisms causing those physical problems to be examined and appropriately addressed."

From this chiropractor's site:

"Remarkably, these brain-based therapies are reversing my dystonia. In only 11 months, I am no longer "caged" in a rigid, contorted body, and the vise-like tension on my muscles is markedly decreasing. I am getting my life back and happily can report that I am an enthusiastic 30-year-old who tenaciously lifts my 30-pound daughter with just my right arm. I am doing magnificently and have experienced a miraculous transformation that supersedes my wildest dreams. My right leg no longer has symptoms and I am able to sit up with ease. I am comfortable and my dystonic symptoms recede daily. My body is "untwisting" and my motor commands are becoming increasingly more appropriate. I walk for a sustained 40 minutes at a time for exercise. I am even rollerblading and water skiing!"

And finally from here....

"Dystonia can affect any part of the body including the arms and legs, trunk, neck, eyelids, face, or vocal cords.  Because muscle contractions interfere with normal function, dystonia causes impairment such as incoordination and problems with balance, (and thus increased risk of fall).  As such, those afflicted with the disorder often find themselves unable to perform many of the things they did prior to its inception.  Pain and fatigue from the repetitive movement is not uncommon.  Features such as cognition, strength, and the senses, including vision and hearing, are typically normal and left unaffected.  As the disorder becomes intolerable, botox injections are typically used to help control the disorder and excess movement. Botox injections are simply isolated botulism toxins, which paralyze the muscles near the injection site for a period of time.  As the toxin’s effect wears off over time, the procedure must be repeated. Recent research demonstrates the tremendous effect chiropractic neurologists can have on cervical dystonia when managed in accordance with brain based neurology. Results using this approach have been described as outstanding and provide hope for dystonic patients looking for non-surgical and non-drug treatment options.  For this reason, it is recommended that patients who have dystonic movements and associated symptomatology be treated in this fashion before other treatments which may be associated with iatrogenesis, (problems induced inadvertently by a medical treatment), are considered. "