Chiropractic Care Brings Hope for Patients with Motor Tics

October 7, 2024—In the latest issue of the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research (Volume 2024, Pages 64-68), a case series presents significant findings regarding the impact of chiropractic care on patients experiencing motor tics. The study, conducted by Drs. Jason C. Ledford and Matthew F. Wink, highlights the reduction of motor tics in two male patients undergoing full spine chiropractic adjustments.

The study focuses on a 7-year-old boy and a 27-year-old man, both presenting with persistent motor tics. The young boy, who also dealt with asthma, chronic colds, and a congenital defect, had been experiencing motor tics all day, every day, for two weeks prior to his first chiropractic visit. The older patient had been suffering from daily motor tics for over 10 years.

Through a series of chiropractic interventions, both patients experienced notable symptom relief. The 7-year-old underwent eight visits, where progressive improvements in his motor tics were observed. After his third visit, his tics disappeared for a full month. Similarly, the 27-year-old, who received care over six months, saw a reduction in tic frequency from the start of his treatment, with symptom-free periods lasting up to a month.

The doctors noted that the most common adjustments were made at the C1 and C3 spinal levels. However, they emphasize that further research is required to determine whether these segments play a specific role in the reduction of motor tics.

This case series highlights the potential benefits of chiropractic care in co-managing motor tic disorders, offering an alternative, non-invasive approach to patients seeking relief from these challenging symptoms. Both patients were able to maintain symptom-free periods when adhering to the recommended care protocols, with occasional relapses triggered by falls or emotional stress.

As research into the relationship between vertebral subluxation and motor tics continues, this study provides hope for more patients who may benefit from chiropractic care as part of their health management.

For more information, please refer to the full article: "Reduction of Motor Tics in Two Male Patients Undergoing Chiropractic Care: A Case Series," published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Volume 2024.

Matthew McCoy, DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
Website: [www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com]
Email: drmatthewmccoy@gmail.com
Phone: 404.247.2550