Previously on this blog we had talked about the connection between problems in the upper neck, brain changes, contact sports and Parkinson’s Disease. Today we take a closer look into the procedure that is giving so many people with Parkinson’s disease new hope.
In the March 2011 Edition of the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research Dr. Justin Brown and Dr. Jonathan Chung describe the great results that a patient from their clinic had with symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease following the correction of a specific misalignment of the bones in the upper neck, known as the Atlas Subluxation Complex Syndrome utilizing the NUCCA Procedure.
It was a 67 year-old female patient who was presenting with complaints of weakness, tremors, scoliosis and rigidity due to Parkinson’s disease (PD). She reported the symptoms began 5 years prior to starting care and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease shortly after the symptoms began. She also stated that she fell almost every day due to the issues with the balance. The severity of her symptoms had contributed to her missing work and reducing her ability to perform her normal activities.
During her care over a 6 month period the patient reported:
- 60% improvement in the weakness
- 60% improvement in tremors
- 30% improvement in rigidity
- 70% improvement in mobility
- Significant decrease in the number of falls
- Improved ability to perform activities of daily living, including work.
Jubault et al found evidence that brain stem atrophy may be the first identifiable stage of neurodegeneration in patients with Parkinson’s. The authors also note that the neural degeneration at the brainstem level may be responsible for many of the symptoms experienced by patients with PD.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Parkinson’s Disease
Dysfunction at the brain stem level is also implicated in other studies of advanced PD. New Upright MRI research is showing that the upper neck misalignment can change the way the brain is working by progressively altering the blood and CSF flow to the brain.
The correction of the atlas subluxation complex can only be accomplished through specific upper neck adjustments by specially trained upper cervical chiropractors. General chiropractic manipulation cannot correct this problem.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease then an upper neck evaluation should be performed to see if an undetected brain stem injury could be the root cause.
To hear from more real people like you go to our patient testimonials here.
Dr. Kurt Sherwood, D.C. is Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. He is in private practice in the state of Washington in the city of Renton. He specializes in correcting problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems. More information can be found on his website at www.restorationspinalcare.com
References:
Reduction in Symptoms Related to Parkinson’s Disease Concomitant with Subluxation Reduction Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care by Jonathan Chung DC & Justin Brown DC as published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Sherwood, call 425-243-1607 or just click the button below.
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