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Clinical Background
The patient came to a chiropractic clinic with primary complaints of Parkinson's disease symptoms and upper trapezius pain. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease a year prior, she exhibited symptoms such as resting tremors in her right hand, weakness in her right arm, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).
The Approach and Outcomes
The patient underwent chiropractic care for a year, with weekly sessions. The chiropractic management utilized the Diversified technique, which is a common method involving manual adjustment of the spine. The patient also received Active Release Technique treatment targeting the upper trapezius area.
Remarkable improvements were reported:
- Increased Muscle Strength: The strength of the patient’s opponens pollicis muscle (thumb muscle) improved.
- Enhanced Mobility: The patient experienced increased cervical (neck) range of motion.
- Reduced Muscle Tension: Decreased hypertonicity of cervical and thoracic paraspinal muscles and the upper trapezius was noted.
- Subjective Improvements: The patient reported a significant reduction in symptoms like resting tremors, bradykinesia, and right arm weakness.
- Resumption of Daily Activities: She was able to resume her daily walks for exercise.
The Bigger Picture: Neurological Communication and Spine Health
Matthew McCoy DC, MPH, the editor of the journal that published the study and a public health researcher, emphasizes the importance of neurological communication between the spine and the brain. McCoy stated: "Misalignments in the spinal structure can obstruct this crucial communication, leading to a myriad of functional problems, including neurological disorders like Parkinson's. The study points out the importance of spinal biomechanics and the neurochemical pathways related to them in the body's ability to adapt and function properly."
What's Next?
This study is a promising indicator that chiropractic care using the Diversified technique could play a significant role in the co-management of Parkinson's symptoms. More extensive research is needed to generalize these findings.
The study suggests that chiropractic care may offer a supplementary avenue for alleviating some symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, potentially improving the quality of life for those affected. Given these promising results, further research is not just recommended, but essential, to explore the depth of chiropractic care's potential in the co-management of Parkinson's Disease.
Contact Information:
Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/vertebral-subluxation-research-1/
support@vertebralsubluxationresearch.com
