A Parkinson’s disease diagnosis carries with it many questions. How will I progress moving forward? How will my life change? What can I do to help this?

While no cure for this disease has been discovered yet, research suggests chiropractic care can help to manage some of the symptoms and pain associated with Parkinson’s Disease. This is not meant as a substitute for other types of treatment; instead, it is best to be used in conjunction with physical therapy and medication.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects dopamine-producing neurons in the area of the brain called the substantia nigra, which is part of the basal ganglia where cells produce dopamine.

This disease tends to affect movement. Starting gradually, symptoms of Parkinson’s begins with slight or barely noticeable tremors, often confined to one hand. Tremors are a common symptom, though this disease can also cause stiffness or slowed movement.

In the early stages, your face may show little to no expression. From there, the disease will begin to affect other parts of your body: your arms may not swing when you walk, your speech may be affected by slowing or slurring, and your muscles will begin to feel rigid. As a progressive disease, Parkinson’s symptoms will worsen over time.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s tend to differ between patients. They usually begin on one side and, after moving to both sides of the body, tend to stay worse on that initial side. Early symptoms can be mild and may go unnoticed.

Some Common Symptoms Include:

Tremors

One of the more common symptoms of Parkinson’s is tremors. They are usually active when the body is at rest and usually begin in a limb, such as an arm or hand. Pill-rolling tremors are particularly common.

Bradykinesia

Slowed movement is a typical symptom of Parkinson’s. Over time, the disease may slow your movement, making simple tasks more difficult, causing you to drag your feet when you walk or make your steps shorter.

Current chiropractic Trigeminal Neuralgia

Balance problems and stooped posture is a regular side effect as a result of Parkinson’s disease.

Muscle rigidity

Stiff muscles can occur in any part of your body, which can be painful and limit the range of your motion.

Loss of automatic movements

Automatic movements like blinking, swinging arms while walking, and smiling may decrease.

Decreased ability to speak or write

Speech may begin to soften, slur, or otherwise hesitate, and it may become hard to write.

Chiropractic Care For Parkinson’s Disease

While not a substitute for other treatment methods such as physical therapy and medication, chiropractic alignment techniques have been shown to be beneficial in managing the symptoms of the disease. This is especially true in relation to the chiropractic adjustments of the upper cervical area which has helped patients regain function, increase their energy, and improve the overall quality of life.

Chiropractic care consists primarily of upper cervical adjustments made to the neck and spine to alleviate areas of pain or immobility that have developed throughout the rest of the body as a result.

While most patients approach our doctors with complaints of chronic head or back pain, we have had success in aiding Parkinson’s disease patients with their symptoms as well.

If you or a loved one are currently dealing with the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. Our doctors will discuss your concerns with you and lay out a complete chiropractic care plan that aims to reduce the severity of your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.