MARYSVILLE, Wash., April 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Blair upper cervical chiropractic technique may bring relief to sufferers of MS (multiple sclerosis). This technique focuses on the first two cervical vertebrae, located in the neck. These are the most mobile of the vertebrae, and therefore, the most likely to become misaligned. Chiropractic studies indicate that treating problems in this area brings relief from MS symptoms in the majority of patients.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is understood to result from the deterioration of the myelin sheath around neurons. This deterioration starts with inflammation that leads to the destruction of the sheath. The inflammation interferes with the transmission of signals within the neuron and between it and its neighbors. Eventually, the sheaths end up being replaced by scar tissue. When that happens, the affected neurons can no longer signal at all.
Since there is already interference with nerve transmission, it stands to reason that any further transmission complications only make matters worse. Such complications often arise from misalignments in the vertebrae. In fact, some studies say that everyone who has MS has also had injuries to their necks that resulted in these alignment problems. Because of this, chiropractors urge people with MS to get chiropractic treatment.
"Many MS symptoms can be relieved by the application of chiropractic treatment. Cervical treatment has been shown to be particularly effective. In this treatment, the vertebrae in the cervical region – the upper neck – are realigned to eliminate issues that can further interfere with nerve transmission. These vertebrae are especially important for MS treatment because of their proximity to the brain," explained Dr. Robert Clarke, DC of Health First Chiropractic.
Dr. Clarke is a strong proponent of the Blair Technique, a chiropractic method that focuses on these vertebrae. This technique is based on principles discovered by the founder of chiropractic, Dr. B. J. Palmer. He believed that the entire body could be affected by problems at the base of the skull since all nerves must pass through this area to reach the brain. Therefore, Dr. Palmer advocated focusing on treating issues in this key location.
Patients who have undergone chiropractic treatment for MS symptoms report promising results. In fact, according to a study published by J Vertebral Subluxation Research, 91 percent of patients showed improvement. While chiropractic treatments won't cure MS, this indicates that it will be a valuable addition to treatment for the majority of patients.
About Health First Chiropractic in Marysville
Health First Chiropractic is operated by Dr. Robert Clarke, DC, who is a chiropractor that specializes in correcting upper cervical misalignments. The center serves patients in and around Marysville, Washington. Additional conditions that they evaluate and treat or manage include fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease, trigeminal neuralgia, Meniere's disease, arthritis, and other painful conditions.
Visit their website at http://hfchiropracticmarysville.com/ for more information.