Over 25% of the population has suffered from neck pain. It is reportedly the third most common chronic pain conditions in America. What is responsible for this widespread issue? What can be done to ease that pain?
The head and neck regions are among the most vulnerable on the human body. The neck alone is responsible for supporting all 10-12 pounds of the head; plus, it houses critical vertebrae, nerves, and vascular structures. Experts have long known that it does not take much for these to be injured. Car accidents, sports injuries, and other traumas can lead to chronic pain. Now, extended cell phone and tablet usage can cause injury here as well.
In an effort to efficiently deal with the pain, certain surgical procedures involve the surgeon testing different nerves within the neck area to see where exactly the patient's pain is coming from. However, there are few who wouldn't prefer a less invasive approach to correcting the issues causing their neck pain.
How can one find lasting relief without having to go through with surgery? Happily, here, we carefully examine the upper cervical area of the neck to see if adjustments to the vertebrae are needed. Often we find this is the case and many cases of neck pain can be diminished if not completely resolved with some gentle and calculated adjusting. The reason pain can occur through a misalignment is it causes the bone to rest on important nerves, blood vessels, and other structures that can create long term pain. Once the upper cervical region is correctly aligned, these networks can heal and resume normal function.
The truth is that living without neck pain is possible without surgery.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct 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, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
A person may have been hit from behind by an automobile or simply from someone running toward them and crashing into them. That is the amount of speed it takes to cause whiplash. What exactly is whiplash?
It is an injury to your upper neck caused by the head being forced forward and backward. The vertebrae in the upper neck make a fast motion, much like cracking a whip. This, in turn, can lead to damage to the muscles and tissues of the neck. The bones, discs, and ligaments can also become damaged leading to further issues. The misalignment of the top two vertebrae will cause a person the majority of problems.
Two studies conducted indicate that there is indeed evidence to support success in chiropractic treatment.
It is no wonder, then, that the Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine reported the answer for whiplash patients is to seek the care of an upper cervical chiropractor. They stated that this is the best way to find relief from whiplash symptoms, including pain.
It is vital to seek out our care as soon as possible after an automobile or another kind of accident. In this way, healing can begin, and life can continue uninterrupted by pain.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct 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, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
It is a startling fact that whiplash can affect a person up to ten years or more after the initial accident. Some people never connect the health problems they are experiencing with the whiplash they never addressed such a long time ago. The reason for the problems they are having could be due to the fact that 68% of people that were diagnosed with whiplash eventually develop degeneration and deterioration of the spine.
What does whiplash do to the body? The force of the head moving back and forth causes damage to the muscles, bones, and ligaments contained in the neck. The area of the body where the spine and skull meet is called the craniocervical junction. When whiplash occurs, it is possible for a misalignment to happen here to the top two bones of the vertebrae. This is critical when treating whiplash, but is often overlooked during initial examinations. If a misalignment has occurred, it can cause the brain to not function properly.
The man that founded the MRI used this machine to examine the neck of those suffering from whiplash. He concluded that the flow of cerebrospinal fluid was, indeed, abnormal. This can eventually cause the person to show signs of neurological diseases, for example, multiple sclerosis.
Upper cervical chiropractors focus their care on the misalignments found in the upper neck. If they find a misalignment does exist, they will work with each patient individually to determine the best way to treat the problem. They understand that a misalignment here is probably causing your brain and your body not to communicate properly and may be the root cause of your headaches and migraines. Whiplash patients that seek the care of upper cervical chiropractors report improved recovery time and long-lasting relief of symptoms. This results in a happier and healthier life.
References:
McCoy HG, McCoy M. A multiple parameter assessment of whiplash injury patients undergoing subluxation based chiropractic care: a retrospective study. JVSR. 1997;1(3):51-61.
Damadian RV, Chu D. The possible role of craniocervical trauma and abnormal CSF hydrodynamics in the genesis of multiple Sclerosis. Physiol Chem Phys. 2011;41:1-17
Mandolesi S, Marceca G, Conicello S, Harris E. Upper cervical vertebral subluxation in multiple sclerosis with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency: a pilot study. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2013;(3):65-70
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct 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, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating disease that can rob a person of his or her quality of life. It is the feeling of being totally exhausted all the time. There is absolutely nothing that can be done to increase their energy levels. Maybe sleep is the answer? Even after eight hours of sleep, it is difficult to get up and go.
However, when they do wake up, they feel just as tired and worn out as when they went to sleep. In fact, they may be so exhausted that even the thought of bathing or showering is too much for them. They feel like they are walking through sand all day long. They may even be too exhausted to cut their food in order to eat it. Their arms and legs feel like they are tied down. Holding a book to read can be too strenuous.
What about exercise? That always seems to help a person feel better. Well, not in this case. Whether it is physical or mental exercise, it leaves them feeling totally sapped of energy. Is there anything that can be done?
Upper cervical chiropractic care may be the answer you’ve been looking for. A study involved patients that were suffering from chronic fatigue symptoms and were being given adjustments by upper cervical chiropractors. The results? There was a great improvement in the quality of life and a definite decrease in symptoms for them. How is this possible?
The upper cervical spine is found at the brainstem. The brainstem is part of the central nervous system. This is what sends signals to the brain as to how the body is functioning. If there is a misalignment found in the vertebrae in this area, undue pressure can be put on the brainstem. This causes the nervous system to send improper signals about what is really happening in the body. In turn, this leads to an increase of fatigue.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Redwood City, California is an upper cervical chiropractor who is specifically trained in how to correct misalignmetns of the bones in the upper cervical spine. Once this is done, healing can begin, and normal function of the nervous system can be restored.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct 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, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
Well . . . we have good news and we have bad news. That is if you suffer from pain in your lower back that shoots through your hips and buttock down through one of your legs. That pain is a pretty good sign that you may be suffering from Sciatica. That's the bad news, but the good news is that pain doesn't need to continue. You can do something to overcome that pain, but so many people simply choose to live with that pain.
What is Sciatica?
First, you're probably wondering what is causing that pain in your lower back down through your leg and why it's only affecting one side of your body. There is pressure being placed on your Sciatic nerve, which extends from your lumbar spine down through your leg. You only feel pain on one side of your body because you have two of those nerve, and you feel the pain on the side of your body that that particular nerve is feeling the pressure.
Since your Sciatic Nerve controls numerous muscles in your back, knees, and lower legs, it is important that people who suffer from Sciatica take the right steps to deal with the underlying cause of their pain. Failing to deal with it now can cause it to become numbness, tingling, muscle atrophy, or even foot drop later.
Sciatica Approaches
Of course, the question is one of the proper way to care for Sciatica. It's important that you allow a chiropractor to examine your spine for any misalignments. For instance a misalignment of only ¼ of a millimeter in the upper neck vertebrae can lead to all sorts of health complications throughout the body. That’s why an upper cervical chiropractor is uniquely trained to address misalignments in the position of the head, neck, spine, pelvis all the way down to the feet. Although your pain may be starting in your lower back and going down your leg the underlying cause may be starting all the way at the top of your spine where your head and neck come together. Our heads are very heavy weighing between 10 to 14 pounds and when the head is not properly positioned on top of the neck due to accidents and injuries the entire spine will have to shift in order to adapt to the position of the head. This can frequently lead to long-standing problems in the lower back and pelvis that are never properly addressed.
Though, while it is important to get your neck evaluated, we also understand that your appointment may not be for several days. You don't want to have to suffer until Monday or whenever your appointment is, and we don't want you to suffer. So, here are some tips of what you can do to find temporary relief until your visit to the chiropractor.
Temporary Sciatica Relief
Now, it is important that you not rely on your home exercises for complete relief. Make sure you keep and go to that appointment, so your upper cervical chiropractor can evaluate your upper neck and spine for any postural problems that may be causing your Sciatica.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct 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, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
The Cause of KnotsThere are numerous types of knots, most of which a person ties. But there is a type of knot that gets tied, and that is the type of knot that gets tied in a person. The pain a person experiences can be anywhere from dull to sharp, that person may ache all of the time, and the pain may increase when they move.
Of course, where they feel the pain all depends on the location of the knot. The pain can be unbearable or it can be slight be nevertheless annoying. There are natural remedies to those knots that sometimes get tied on the inside of us.
Though, before we look at how to find relief from that pain, it's important to know how that pain got there in the first place. Muscle fibers can constrict and not release due to use, overuse, and even misuse of the muscle. It's not that the muscle was actually tied into a knot, but the feeling we get when we touch the area makes it feel like a knot. That means the size of the knot can be as large as a person's thumb if the injury happened in a larger muscle, whereas knots that happen in smaller muscles may not be noticeable and may not even cause pain.
Now that we know more about knots, it's important to know how they happen so we can know what not to do. They can be the result of whiplash, a workout or other strenuous activity, or even sitting or laying in the wrong position for long lengths of time.
You may not be able to do everything to avoid a rear end collision, but there is plenty you can do to make sure you stay safe during those other times. You will want to make sure you use good posture during all of your activities, as this is important to avoiding muscle knots, and always lift with your legs.
Many times, all it takes to find relief from a knot in your back is a good massage. A professional massage can be important to reach those areas you may not be able to reach. They also go through specialized training, so they will know the right pressure points that your friend or family member may not know. You can also try rolling a foam roller over the area up to a dozen time, three times a day until the knot loosens.
But why are your muscles knotting up in the first place?
It may be your posture. Postural problems can affect the way that your muscles pull on your bones and can cause chronic inflammation and swelling that may lead to muscle knots. An upper cervical chiropractor is uniquely trained to evaluate posture beginning at the head and neck and continuing through the spine to the pelvis and all the way down to the feet. Misalignments in the upper neck are frequently the starting point of postural problems that can cause chronic muscle knots and many other issues.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct 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, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
Tic disordersTics are defined as sudden repetitive motions or vocalizations, non-rhythmic movements or sounds that are produced by an individual, which serves no true purpose.
Tics are classified by their quality and complexity. Almost any movement, sound, or combination of both that the body can produce has the ability to become a tic. There are two types of tics reported in the literature: motor tics and vocal tics.
The onset of a tic(s) typically occurs between the ages of 3 and 8 years old, and 93% of patients are symptomatic by the age of 10.
A recent case study published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health describes the clinical changes that occurred following upper cervical chiropractic care in a 7-year-old child medically diagnosed with a motor tic disorder.
There are many reasons why a child may suffer with tics. Head and neck trauma during the birth process or in the first years of life can lead to brainstem dysfunction and neurological manifestations such as vocal and motor tics.
That was the case with a 7-year-old girl described in the case study. She had been suffering with motor tics for more than 2 years. She also had a history of torticollis, and was currently suffering with neck pain as a result of the constant motor tics, which would cause one of her shoulders to raise and her neck to move about every 30 seconds!
Following the initiation of upper cervical chiropractic care, the child’s tics decreased and eventually resolved completely after 3 adjustments!
There have been a number of studies that have shown positive effects of upper cervical chiropractic care for the treatment and resolution of neurological tics.
A study by McReynolds describes a patient complaining of a “tickle” in his throat causing him to clear his throat. The patient reported that the “tickle” occurred a couple of times per day up to several times per hour. He also had observed head jerking, grunting and eye blinking. The patient received upper cervical chiropractic care and later experienced a complete resolution of his neurological tics.
Stone-McCoy and Muhlenkamp discussed a reduction of motor and vocal tics in a patient that was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. The patient was seen for a total of 32 visits in one year, in which she had decreased frequency and severity of her tics.
Alcantara et al also reported on a 6-year-old girl presenting with motor tics. The patient had compulsive eye blinking and eye rolling in multiple directions. After a total of 10 visits, the patient’s tics were completely resolved.
Motor and verbal tic disorders can have devastating physical and psychological effects on the entire family. Several research studies have shown the effectiveness of upper cervical chiropractic care in getting to the underlying cause of these problems.
It’s time to see if your child can be helped! Just click the button below to get started.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct 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, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
ADHD Ups Disability Risk from Mild Traumatic Brain Injury HealthDay News reports Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who experience a concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to be moderately disabled from the injury, compared to similar patients without ADHD, according to a study published online June 25 in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics.
Christopher M. Bonfield, MD, from the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with a diagnosis of mild closed head injury and ADHD admitted to a children's hospital (2003–2010) as well as the charts of age-matched controls admitted with a diagnosis of mild closed head injury without ADHD. At follow-up, 25% of patients with mild TBI who had ADHD were moderately disabled compared to 2% of the controls.
Research has indicated children diagnosed with ADHD and post-concussion syndrome commonly have a history of head or neck trauma. Head and neck traumas can lead to upper neck misalignments and subsequent, brainstem dysfunction. If a child already has an upper neck misalignment a new head or neck trauma leading to concussion will further complicate the severity of the misalignment which can lead to a variety of mental, emotional and physical manifestations.
A gentle Upper Cervical correction of this upper neck misalignment has been shown to restore proper mental and physical function and symptoms frequently improve naturally.
Millions of children take medication for ADHD and the symptoms associated post-concussion syndrome that chemically alter the mind and body, in the hope that these drugs will help. But the evidence now reveals that these drugs are doing far more harm than good.
Is it time to find out if something can be done other than drugs?
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct 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, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
Tourette Syndrome and Birth TraumaPreviously in this blog we looked at research that linked upper neck injuries with Tourette's syndrome. Today we take a closer look at 3 children who were all diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome and responded wonderfully to upper cervical chiropractic.
First we look at a 9-year-old boy who began having health problems soon after his birth (a forceps birth). He also fell down the stairs at age 1. He had many infections including ear infections and pneumonia every year for the first several years of his life. He was diagnosed with asthma at age 2 and prescribed inhalers.
By age 7, he was diagnosed with ADHD and Tourette Syndrome. The Tourette's tics occurred head to toe and involved his eyes, neck, voice, rolling of his toes, flinching of his side, and lifting of his arms overhead. In addition, he was diagnosed with insomnia and depression at age 8 and was prescribed 2 different anti-depressant medications. He also experienced neck pain and headaches 3 times per week since age 8.
During this boy's upper cervical exam, a neck injury was found, which possibly stemmed from either his birth or fall down the stairs.
After his first upper cervical adjustment, his mother reported only 2 days later: 1) his attitude and personality were happier, 2) no headaches, 3) no neck pain, 4) no wheezing, 5) tics were cut in half, 6) slept through the night. One month later, no headaches or neck pain occurred over the month; no asthma or wheezing occurred over the month and no asthma medications were used; all motor tics were completely gone and only an occasional verbal tic occurred; sleeping had been consistently improved; personality and behavior had been consistently improved and anti-depressants had been cut in half; attention in school to school work and interaction with other kids in school was also greatly improved.
Six weeks after the first adjustment, all symptoms were absent. All family members remarked that by having his neck injury corrected, the boy had become a completely different, happy, and healthy child.
Next we look at a 15-year-old male who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at age 7. He had no family history of Tourette Syndrome. The tics were constantly present and worsened during times of concentration, such as during reading and writing. In addition, he suffered from chronic neck pain for years. He described himself as having constant daily tightness in his neck and shoulders, especially at the base of his skull.
During this boy's upper cervical exam, a neck injury was found. His mother could not recall any accidents he had suffered as a child that could have caused his neck injury other than typical falls and sports injuries of childhood, although the boy was an avid snowboarder and had taken some falls on his head.
After his first upper cervical adjustment, he reported having a tremendous reduction in tics and neck pain. He couldn't believe how much better his neck felt after so many years of discomfort. Within a month, he was free of tics and neck pain and was able to resume concentrating on school subjects that had previously been too difficult. His mother reported tremendous improvement in his ability to concentrate, complete school work, etc. After being adjusted, he said he completed his math homework easily. In addition, he also reported how much of a relief it was to no longer worry about experiencing tics, especially in front of other people.
Lastly, we examine the case of a 7-year-old boy who began experiencing the tics of Tourette Syndrome at age 5. The tics in his face, neck, arms, and feet occurred infrequently in the beginning and gradually increased to 100's of times per day, his mother reported. He was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at age 7.
During the boy's upper cervical chiropractic evaluation, an upper neck injury was discovered. His mother reported various traumas before her son was 5, including a breech birth, a fall out of the high chair, and skiing falls, that could have contributed to his upper cervical injury. Within 10 days of his first upper cervical adjustment, his parents and teachers noticed a decrease in the tics. In less than 3 months of treatment, all tics were absent.
The purpose of Upper Cervical Spinal Care is to reverse the trauma-induced upper neck injury; thereby reducing irritation to the injured nerves in the central nervous system. While many TS sufferers recall specific traumas such as head injuries, birth trauma, auto accidents or falls, some do not. In certain pediatric cases, the injury can occur from the normal birthing process. An upper cervical examination is necessary in each individual's case to assess whether an upper cervical injury is present and whether benefit from Upper Cervical can be achieved.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct 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, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
Not All Tourette’s Syndrome Is GeneticResearchers generally consider Tourette's syndrome to be a genetic disorder (TS vulnerability is transmitted from one generation to the next), approximately 15% of TS patients do not show genetic susceptibility (no genetic links were found). In addition, individual variations in character, course, and degree of severity of TS cannot be explained by genetic explanations alone.
Consequently, researchers have focused upon stressful events during perinatal or early life that may trigger the onset of TS. Traumatic head injury (during birth, falls, accidents, etc.) has been implicated as a possible trigger of TS. Evidence supports that trauma (in particular mild concussive injury to the head, neck or upper back) increases the risk of TS onset. Following the trauma, tics can be triggered immediately or can take months or years to develop.
New research appearing in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health supports a possible traumatic cause. A 14-year-old male with Tourette’s Syndrome had missed school the previous two days prior to presenting to the clinic due to the severity of his motor tics, migraine headaches and severe “fatigue”.
The patient’s symptoms were so severe it was indicated that he was having 1,000 “violent” motor tics a day that consisted of whipping his head involuntarily in flexion and extension, which also contributed to his fatigue.
The patient’s migraine headaches (which occurred daily) were attributed as resulting from these motor tics. The patient was taking 6 Ibuprofen pills, 10 mgs of Abilify® (aripiprazole), and 1mg of Orap® (Pimozide) per day.
Physical examination which included thermal and infrared thermography and radiological examination demonstrated sites of spinal misalignments likely caused by trauma. Over the course of 30 patient visits in a period of 5 months, dramatic reductions were reported in the amount of tics experienced daily. The total number of tics were reduced from 1,000 a day to 30-35 tics per day. The patient’s dependence on Ibuprofuen was eliminated and his medication dosage (i.e., Abilify and Pimozide) was reduced by his medical provider.
This is not the first time that a person with Tourette's syndrome has received dramatic results with this type of care (see references below). For instance, Dr. Erin Elster reports on 3 boys diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome, Age 9, 15 and 7, who all had tremendous results with upper cervical chiropractic.
Next time we will review these 3 cases and talk more about the type of care they received.
The purpose of Upper Cervical is to reverse the traumatically induced upper neck injury; thereby reducing irritation to the injured nerves in the central nervous system. While many TS sufferers recall specific traumas such as head injuries, birth trauma, auto accidents or falls, some do not. In certain pediatric cases, the injury can occur from the normal birthing process. An upper cervical examination is necessary in each individual's case to assess whether an upper cervical injury is present and whether benefit from Upper Cervical care can be achieved.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct 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, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
