What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects the nervous system. When brain cells that produce dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter, become damaged or die, signals from the brain can't reach other parts of the body. This results in a continuous loss of movement and coordination.
Experts don't yet know the cause of Parkinson's disease, but believe genetics are involved. Unfortunately, there is no known cure, but some treatments show promise in easing symptoms or slowing the progression of the disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Some symptoms of Parkinson's include tremors or shaking, particularly of the hands, arms, legs, or head. Muscles may become stiff or contract. Sufferers may experience slow movement, loss of balance, and impaired coordination.
How Upper Cervical Care Can Help Parkinson's Disease
As mentioned above, there is no known cure for Parkinson's disease. In conjunction with medical treatment, upper cervical care has helped many Parkinson's patients in living with this disease.
The upper cervical spine begins just below the skull and is comprised of the seven uppermost vertebrae. This area is vulnerable to injuries and misalignments if the head is jolted in an accident, or with persistent poor posture. Misalignments cause the area to become inflamed and swollen. Because of the upper cervical spine's proximity to the brain stem, inflammation can compress nerves and impede the flow of messages between the brain and body.
When the vertebrae are properly aligned, the nerve flow is restored and the body's healing mechanisms commence.
How We Treat Parkinson's Disease
Keeping the upper cervical spine in a healthy, aligned state helps alleviate stress on joints, muscles, and ligaments throughout the body. It helps improve mobility and coordination and keeps nerves functioning. This can help manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and improve one's quality of life.
Dr. Gordon Elder is our upper cervical specialist at the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Elder is an expert in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This technique focuses on upper cervical care utilizing advanced 3D imaging tools for more precise evaluations of an individual's unique anatomy.
Once misalignments are detected, the doctor can apply precise, low-pressure adjustments to bring the spine back into a healthy alignment. Unlike traditional chiropractic methods, which involve abrupt twists and snaps, Blair practitioners take a much more gentle, comfortable approach.
Many patients find the initial correction brings some immediate relief. After corrections are made, the body's healing processes can begin and the benefits continue to come. In follow-up visits, Dr. Elder checks to ensure the corrections are holding.
Beyond the initial treatments, regular chiropractic check-ups are recommended. Dr. Elder tries to nip problems in the bud through preventative care.
If you are being treated for Parkinson's disease, consider adding chiropractic care to your health care routine. Dr. Elder's area of coverage includes Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.