Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive degenerative neurological disorder where the ‘insulation’ around the nerves (called myelin) breaks down. Without this insulation, neurological signals aren’t able to travel as quickly as they once were, and neurological symptoms set in. These symptoms involve numbness and tingling, unsteadiness, loss of strength, and vision changes, to name a few.
Conventional medicine offers drug therapy, and recommends stress management, physical therapy, and supervised exercise for those who suffer with MS. One article states, “Only 3% of those taking [a certain drug]…stopped taking it because of side effects.” However, known side effects of this specific drug are fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness, depression, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, and blood cell count decreases. Other people in clinical trials for this drug mentioned feeling sad, tired, hot or cold, they experienced hives, rashes, bruising, yellowing of the skin, and a change in body weight (some gained, some lost). The study went on to mention there were things health care providers could do to lessen these symptoms. Their suggestion: prescribe other medications to treat the effects of this specific drug.
Keep in mind, these lesions involving myelin sheaths are in the brain. While the mechanism of actions of MS drugs in the interferon family are, “still being investigated,” we do know that natural interferons (not the synthetics ones used in drug therapy) are used in the body to respond to certain types of infections, typically viral infections. The point here is that interferons are involved in our immunity. So, at the very least, these MS drugs alter our body’s immune system. Further, since MS affects cells in the brain, it would be prudent for researchers to find out the effects these drugs have on the brain itself.
The great news is, there is research supporting the efficacy of specific Upper Cervical Chiropractic care for patients with MS. One article discussed a 46-year-old female whose symptoms had completely disappeared after just four months of Upper Cervical care. Further, MRIs of her brain as late as two years after the initial care began actually showed a decrease in intensity of the original lesions. The side effects of Upper Cervical care involve better, more restful sleep, better mood, more regulated heart rate and internal body functions, decrease in pain, plus more.
Another study concluded, “A causal link between trauma-induced upper cervical injury and disease onset for…MS…appears to exist. Correcting the injury to the upper cervical spine…may arrest and reverse the progression of…MS.”
While there is no way to know whether or not your specific situation will respond this well to care, it is a great first step. The worst case scenario is simply that your body will be functioning better, and you’ll still have to find another intervention for your MS. However, the odds are in your favor when you are free from neurological interference, and removing neurological interference is the only thing we do at Lazar Spinal Care.
To speak with me about your specific situation, please email my office at care@lazarspinalcare.com, or call us at (734) 274-5107. I will be happy to speak with you.
