New Research Shows Chiropractic Helps with Parkinsons

Research reported in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research on improvement in a 66 year old woman with Parkinsons reveals that chiropractic could play an important role in managing these types of brain related neurological disorders.

The research discussed a case of a woman diagnosed with Parkinsons whose problems resolved following chiropractic care. “Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the brain” stated Dr. Robert Bello, the author of the research paper. “Basic science research shows that the proper development and function of the brain relies on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age.”

Research has shown not only that the developing brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to adapt to their environment and even to “feel good” are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.

“It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated Dr. Bello. “The brain constantly needs and wants to know where our body is in space and what is going on relative to all functions of the body. If there is interference with the neurological communication between the spine and the brain all sorts of malfunctions can occur and this can lead to symptoms such as those seen in Parkinsons.”

Researchers studying the connection between chiropractic, brain stem compression and neurological disorders believe that these types of functional disorders can be caused by even slight misalignments of the bones in the upper part of the neck.

“There are very important functional relationships between the upper cervical spine and the brain that if disturbed can result in a host of problems with how the brain functions” remarked Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.

According to McCoy “If there is dysfunction of the upper part of the spinal cord from abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra this can lead to nerve interference. It is this interference, called vertebral subluxation, that chiropractors correct.”

The woman on in the study not only had vertebral subluxations but also had been diagnosed with Parkinsons. She had tremors in her arm so bad that she could hardly use it. A litany of other symptoms had emerged such as depression, fatigue and rigidity in her arms and legs. After being diagnosed with Parkinsons by her neurologist the patient was put on Sinemet (Levidopa/Carbidopa), which did not provide the patient any
perceived symptomatic relief.

After two years of constant and progressive suffering she sought the services of a chiropractor specializing in upper cervical chiropractic care and she responded after her first visit to correct an upper cervical subluxation. All of her symptoms resolved including the tremors, depression, fatigue and rigidity in her arms and legs. All that remains is some occasional rigidity of the third toe on both feet. There are one million cases of Parkinson’s disease in the US with 100,000 new cases annually and the annual costs in the US are $24 billion a year. The author of the study called for more research on the role of chiropractic care in these types of disorders.

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