The treatment of movement disorders is based on the ability of the brain to adapt to changes in its functions, known as neuroplasticity. Before designing a treatment, an examination and assessment of the disorder determines the stimulation required to restore the brain functions to an appropriate balance.
The movement disorders treated by chiropractic neurology primarily fall into four groups:
- Dystonia
- Myoclonus
- Tremor
- Tics
In this article we’ll break down these movement disorders and show the types of treatment offered.
4 Movement Disorders Treated by Chiropractic Neurology
Dystonia includes movements such as constant or intermittent muscle spasms, and repetitive movements such as twisting, as well as abnormal postures.
Myoclonus is a brief, uncontrolled muscle movement, resulting in a jerk or spasm.
Tremor is a more common movement disorder, with rhythmic, involuntary movement of one or more body parts, most often in the hands, face, head, trunk, vocal cords and legs.
Tics are sudden voluntary movements that can occur anywhere in the body; for example, eye blinking and toe curling.
Types of Movement Disorder Treatments
The type of movement disorder determines the choice of chiropractic neurology techniques to treat the condition; for example:
- Vision therapy
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Transcranial vagus nerve stimulation
- Mirror therapy
We also take into account your overall medical condition, physical and mental health when working with you to develop strategies for recovery.
Vision Therapy for Movement Disorders
Vision therapy is a common method for treating movement problems by retraining the brain and the eye muscles. Vision therapy uses real-time data from techniques known as videonystagmography and saccadometry. One of the important uses of Vision therapy is for the treatment of brain injuries, such as concussions, which can have symptoms such as:
- Blurred and/or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Ocular-motor dysfunction
- Cognitive difficulties with visual tasks
- Slower reaction time
The advantages of Vision therapy include that it does not require prescription drugs and it avoids surgery.
Vestibular Rehabilitation for Movement Disorders
Vestibular rehabilitation is a therapy that treats movement problems such as those related to balance and motion issues. Balance testing and assessment help to determine the course of treatment. Vestibular rehabilitation can help with the treatment of patients diagnosed with:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
- Vertigo
- Migraines
- Meniere’s Syndrome
The advantages of Vestibular rehabilitation include that it does not require prescription drugs, and it can decrease dizziness, improve stability, and contribute to concussion recovery.
TVNS for Movement Disorders
Transcranial vagus nerve stimulation is a therapy available for headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, depression and memory loss. Gentle pulses to the vagus nerve, applied non-invasively, can treat a wide range of conditions.
The advantages of Transcranial vagus nerve stimulation include that it is an alternative to invasive surgery, is a safe, low-risk treatment, and has over 25 years of effective treatment history.
Mirror Therapy for Movement Disorders
Mirror therapy is a type of rehabilitation therapy intended to help regain motor control over affected limbs, such as for phantom limb pain and post-stroke rehabilitation.
The advantages of Mirror therapy include that it is:
- Drug-free
- Suitable for people of all ages and abilities
- Easy to perform the exercises
The type of therapy that’s right for you depends on a number of factors, from personal medical history to the nature of your movement disorder.
Movement Disorder Treatment in Ottawa
At Broadview Spine and Health Centre in Ottawa, we offer careful and thorough diagnostics and treatment options for a wide range of movement disorders.
Contact us today to set up an appointment, to get started on the road to recovery with your movement disorder.