man with cane has multiple sclerosis

Primarily a disease of young adults, MS often appears when people are between 20 and 40 years old, although it can also affect children and adults over 40. There is no cure for MS, only management of symptoms.

In this article we’ll take a look at MS symptoms & effects in general, and how chiropractic neurologists offer effective MS treatment.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

ms ribbon symbolic for multiple sclerosis patientsMULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) is a neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system).

In MS patients, inflammation causes the immune system to malfunction and attack myelin.

Myelin is a protective membrane that covers nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. When it is damaged or destroyed it causes nerve signals to slow down or stop.

Essentially, communication breaks down between the brain and spinal cord and the nerves in the rest of the body.

As MS gradually destroys myelin, it causes muscle weakness and other symptoms, such as problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, feeling, and thinking.

What Are the More Common MS Symptoms?

It is important to realize that MS is unique to each person, however there are some common symptoms depending on the areas of the central nervous system that are damaged and the severity of the damage. Areas such as:

  • multiple sclerosis patient in whelchairVision  – blurry or hazy vision, eye pain (especially when you move your eyes), blindness, or double vision
  • Balance  – feelings of light-headedness or dizziness or a sensation of spinning
  • Sensory  – sensations of tingling, pins-and-needles, or numbness; tightness around your trunk or limbs
  • Muscle– weakness and stiffness, heavy limbs

Generally, symptoms include tingling, increased reflexes, muscle weakness and spasms, poor balance, visual problems, problems with speech or swallowing, pain, and a general lack of energy.

As well, the intensity of the disease varies from patient to patient, some may experience only minor problems, others may become seriously disabled, while many are somewhere in between.

How do Chiropractic Neurologists Treat MS in Ottawa?

Treatment begins with a thorough assessment.

In addition to blood work, a physical examination, patients may undergo magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, x-ray and ultrasound.

It’s crucial to understand that neurological disorders change the way the brain functions. Determining proper treatment options is vital to recovery.

The chiropractic neurologist treats MS by utilizing  the processes of neuroplasticity in the brain. The concept of neuroplasticity includes designing a required stimulation to improve the function of the neural system and restore balance in the involved neural pathways. This involves  using therapy and brain function rehabilitation to create new connections by reorganizing and changing the networks and functions of neurons.

multiple sclerosis patient woman with cane

Chiropractic neurology treatment methods can include:

  • Vision therapy
  • Vestibular rehabilitation
  • Transcranial vagus nerve stimulation
  • Mirror therapy
  • Laser-guided proprioceptive feedback
  • Photobiomodulation
  • Eye exercises
  • Somatosensory evoked potential
  • Auditory therapy
  • Ear insufflation
  • Non-surgical decompression therapy
  • Nutritional recommendations

Chiropractic neurology treatment may provide pain relief and ease of movement, which may aid in improving the quality of life for those suffering with these disorders.

Treatments may include a combination of treatments that could include diet changes, specific supplementation, pons stimulation, cognitive exercises, or stimulation of the balance, auditory, visual or other sensory systems.

MS Treatment in Ottawa

At Broadview we offer effective treatments and therapies in to help patients with MS in Ottawa manage their symptoms with the goal of living a better life.

Contact us today to find out more and book an appointment.