Brain, Spinal Cord Disorders And Upper Cervical Care

Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health

The research discussed a case of a child diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia and spinal variants similar to Arnold Chiari malformation, whose problems completely resolved following upper cervical care. Cerebellar ataxia is a disorder that results in balance and coordination problems and Arnold Chiari malformation occurs when the back of the brain protrudes through the hole in the bottom of the skull.

“Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the brain,” stated Dr. Adam Willemin, the author of the paper. “Basic science research shows that the proper development and function of the brain relies on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age.”

Research has shown not only that the developing brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to adapt to their environment and even to “feel good” are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.

“It makes perfect sense when you think about it,” stated Dr. Willemin. “The brain constantly needs and wants to know where our body is in space. If there is interference with the neurological communication between the spine and the brain all sorts of malfunctions can occur and this can lead to balance problems, dizziness and visual disturbances.”

Researchers studying the connection between upper cervical care, brain stem compression and neurological disorders believe that these types of functional disorders can be caused by even slight misalignments of the bones in the upper part of the neck.

“There are very important functional relationships between the upper cervical spine and the brain that if disturbed can result in a host of problems with how the brain functions,” remarked Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.

According to McCoy “If there is compression of the upper part of the spinal cord from abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra this can lead to nerve interference. It is this interference that (upper cervical doctors) correct.”

The child reported on in the study not only had interference but also had protrusion of the back of the brain into the spinal canal causing even more compression. As a result she suffered from balance and coordination problems, could no longer attend school or perform her normal daily activities and experienced improvement after just a few upper cervical care visits. The author of the study called for more research on the role of upper cervical care in patients with these types of disorders.

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)

Multiple Sclerosis and Upper Cervical Care: Case 4

Editor's Note: This is the fifth of a seven post series where I will be sharing five case reports on patients with MS that received upper cervical care and the results that occurred. The full article with all the reports can be read at length here.

CASE 4

History: This 55-year-old female was diagnosed with MS nine years ago at age 46 after an MRI confirmed active brain lesions. Her symptoms included painful paresthesia of her left arm, fatigue, mental confusion, insomnia, and lack of coordination of her right arm and leg. All symptoms progressively worsened over the nine-year period. Seven years after her diagnosis, a follow-up MRI confirmed the addition of new active lesions. Due to the fatigue, confusion, and pain, she had been on disability leave from work for several years.

Exam: During this patient's initial exam, she complained of extreme pain in her left arm, requiring multiple doses per day of pain medication (neurontin). She also took daily medication for sleeping (klonopin) and energy level (amantadine) due to her insomnia and fatigue. Her handwriting coordination (right-handed) was poor so she preferred using a computer. Cervical radiographs depicted a misalignment of her atlas to the right and posterior. Computerized thermal imaging revealed thermal asymmetries of 0.5ºC.

Outcome: During the first week of upper cervical care, this subject noticed an increase in energy level. One month later, she no longer noticed arm pain. Consequently, she consulted with her neurologist to reduce her pain medication. Her pain medication was reduced by two-thirds and she had no occurrences of arm pain. This patient also reported a continued increase in energy level and a renewed sense of mental clarity, so she considered looking for a part-time job. She felt "more alert and energized" and her "mind was clear." Four months after the start of upper cervical care her condition continued to improve without any relapses.

Summary: For the nine years prior to upper cervical care, this patient suffered from a chronic, progressive worsening of MS symptoms. Since the intervention of upper cervical care, this individual experienced improvements in MS symptoms and required less medication.