Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the autoimmune system in which the body attacks myelin. Myelin is tissue that surrounds the nerves and helps them to communicate with the body and the brain. When myelin is attacked the symptoms are as follows:

• Numbness or weakening of the limbs
• Double or blurry vision
• Loss of vision, partial or total
• Slurred speech
• Tremors
• Extreme tiredness
• Feelings of electric shock
• Vertigo or dizziness
• Migraine headaches

Another very common symptom is called autonomic dysfunction. This means that a problem lies in the autonomic nervous system of the body that controls the automatic things your body does to continue living. Such things as bladder control, digestion, and breathing are controlled automatically. This symptom affects up to 84% of patients with multiple sclerosis.

New Research

Exciting research is being done that shows a connection between the immune system and an often overlooked cranial nerve, the vagus nerve. It has been said that the future of medicine lies in better understanding the vagus nerve. This nerve acts as a messenger between the brain and the body relaying all kinds of signals. If these signals become interrupted, the communication throughout the body would weaken and could, in turn, lead to worsening of symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Natural Relief

Upper cervical chiropractors take a real interest in this area of the nervous system and how it relates to the overall health of our patients. One of the main functions of the vagus nerve is to work at resetting the immune system and shutting down the proteins that cause demyelination of the nerves. By correcting any misalignments that lie in the upper area of the neck, patients have found some relief from their symptoms. This is because a misalignment in the upper neck puts stress on the brainstem and disrupts the function of the nervous system, including the vagus nerve.

Proof of this is found in a study done by Dr. Elster where a patient with multiple sclerosis received upper cervical care for 4 months leading to remission of all symptoms associated with the disease. A follow-up MRI revealed no new lesions and a reduction in the original lesions.

References:

• PubMed Health Multiple Sclerosis (MS). U.S. National Library of Medine. Web. Accessed on 9 July 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0024311/>.

• Racosta, JM. Kimpinski, K. Morrow, SA. Kremenchutzky, M. Autonomic Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis. Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic & Clinical. 7 June 2015. Web. 9 July 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26070809>.
• Elster, E. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Management of a Multiple Sclerosis Patient: a Case Report. Journal of Vertebral subluxation. 4(2) 2011. Web. 9 July 2015. <http://www.erinelster.com/files/jvsr%20ms%20article.pdf>.
• Vince, G. Hacking the Nervous system. Mosaic Science. 26 May 2016. Web. 9 July 2015. <http://mosaicscience.com/story/hacking-nervous-system>.

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Dr. Donald Erwin of Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA).Over the past 21 years, Dr. Erwin has helped many people find natural relief in Sacramento, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Elk Grove, Roseville, Yuba City, Davis and Placerville. He is 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 migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, digestive disorders and auto injuries. More information can be found on his website at https://www.donerwindc.com/