What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that can be found in patients of almost any age. Directly interfering with the central nervous system (CNS), MS is a progressive disease that can eventually result in severe nerve damage and a host of other symptoms if left untreated. Unfortunately, MS is incurable, however, there is a number of treatment options available to ease the symptoms associated with this disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Each case of MS will manifest differently depending on the patient’s diagnosis, the length of time they’ve had the disease, and other factors such as lifestyle and genetics. However, most patients with MS will experience fatigue, numbness and/or tingling in the body, cognitive issues like memory loss, mental health issues like depression or anxiety, pain or muscle spasms, and visual disturbances.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Multiple Sclerosis
In MS patients, the myelin sheath (a protective cap that insulates neurons) is attacked by immune system cells called T-cells, which identify them as foreign material. Once the myelin has disintegrated, the neurons are left exposed, uninsulated, and covered with scar tissue. This has a cascading effect on the frequency of electric signals being sent from neurons throughout the body, resulting in miscommunication and misfiring in other key systems in the body.
The upper cervical spine is proving to be an unexpected yet potentially detrimental aggravator of symptoms in MS patients. If vertebrae in the upper cervical spine (particularly the first two) are misaligned, they can pinch or compress the nerves surrounding the brainstem and spinal cord, creating additional nerve flow issues and worsening the symptoms of MS.
How our Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Works
If you’re suffering from multiple sclerosis, our upper cervical chiropractic specialist, Dr. Bello, is here to help. Upper cervical chiropractic care is a form of chiropractic treatment that aims to restore and maintain health and functionality in the upper cervical spine.
To assess whether a vertebral misalignment is a factor in MS, Dr. Bello will perform an examination of your upper cervical spine, using cone-beam computed tomography and/or X-rays to locate potential misalignments in the upper cervical spine that could be worsening your symptoms.
Following his assessment, Dr. Bello will create an individualized treatment plan to correct the misaligned vertebrae. Unlike traditional chiropractic treatment, this process is low-force and non-invasive. This means no painful twisting, popping, or cracking along the spinal column.
Take back control of your life and visit Dr. Bello for an upper cervical chiropractic consultation. Dr. Bello services Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.