3 Ways A Chiropractor Can Help People With Cervical Dystonia
Cervical dystonia, or spasmodic torticollis, is a condition where muscles in the neck spasm, thus causing jerky head motions. Cervical dystonia may be a symptom of certain neurological diseases, like Parkinson's, or it can occur as a primary disorder from a previous injury. Left untreated, cervical dystonia can cause painful spasms and headaches. Some people are able to manage this condition with Botox, but this treatment route can sometimes be expensive or cause side effects, like rhinitis. If you are looking for other ways to manage this condition, you may want to reach out to a chiropractor for help. Here are three ways a chiropractor can help patients manage cervical dystonia.
Perform Spinal Adjustments
Sometimes, cervical dystonia can cause secondary issues, such as nerve root compression in the spine. People with nerve compression may experience, pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in their neck and down their limbs. During a spinal adjustment, a chiropractor will place a small amount of force on misaligned vertebrae, or subluxations, to treat nerve compression and restore proper range of motion. Your chiropractor can correct spinal misalignments, or subluxations, by using this nerve compression treatment.
One study in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research focused on an individual with cervical dystonia and found that when the atlantoaxial joint (a part of the cervical vertebrae) was corrected, the patient was able to report significant pain relief and improved range of motion.
Prescribe a Vibro-Tactile Stimulation Device
One way to manage cervical dystonia is by using sensory tricks. For instance, some people may find that if they touch an area near their neck that's spasming, they are better able to control their own muscle contractions. Using a vibrotactile stimulation (VTS) device is one way to trick the nervous system and prevent spasms. A chiropractor can prescribe a VTS device. VTS devices are worn around the neck, and they create small vibrations to stimulate the surrounding muscles. One study found that dystonic neck movement decreased by 60% when these devices were used.
Provide Massage Therapy
Massage techniques like Swedish massage, myofascial release, and/or hydrotherapy can be used to manage the symptoms of cervical dystonia. When neck muscles are in constant spasm, fascial adhesions can develop, which can cause pain and decreased range of motion. Massage therapy helps to loosen up tight tissue in the neck. Massage therapy can improve circulation so that muscles are less likely to spasm. A study found that massage therapy could temporarily decrease pain and spasm frequency associated with dystonia.
These are just a few ways a chiropractor can help patients with cervical dystonia. Reach out to a chiropractic center today for more details.
