Movement disorders affect nearly one out of every ten Canadians.
In some way, shape or form, many of us are struggling with a movement disorder. But what exactly is defined as a movement disorder? What are the different types of movement disorders? What do they have in common, and how can they be treated?
Read on to find out more about movement disorders in this issue of our Ottawa Chiropractic Neurology blog.
Movement Disorders: An Umbrella Category Affecting Millions in Canada
“Movement disorder” is a broad term that essentially means a nervous system condition that causes involuntary movement somewhere in the body.
Picture someone twitching, jerking, having a spasm, rapid blinking, cramping, muscle contraction or other movements that are autonomous and not at all intended by the person affected with the movement disorder.
Some examples of more common movement disorders include:
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Tourette Syndrome
- Huntington’s Disease
- Dystonia
- Ataxia
- Tremors
- Tics
- Restless Legs Syndrome
… and many others.
As you can see, the concept of movement disorders is a very broad category.
Movement Disorder vs. Motion Disorder
Movement disorder should not be confused with motion disorders.
Whereas movement disorders are, as we’ve defined, an involuntary action in the body, a motion disorder is a condition such as vertigo or Meniere’s disease, stemming from the brain and affecting balance, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms.
At Broadview clinic we treat both motion disorders and movement disorders in Ottawa.
Commonalities of Movement Disorders
The biggest commonality seen across all people who suffer from a movement disorder is the idea that these movements are taking place on an involuntary basis, with no intention whatsoever from the patient.
In fact, many people who live with movement disorders do their best to stop the movements from happening, or they will try to counteract the movement when it happens.
Living with a movement disorder can be unpleasant on many levels.
The degree of commonality in this unpleasantness across different types of movement disorders can vary quite a bit.
For some people, a movement disorder such as Parkinson’s (or Parkinsonism) can be slight at first, and won’t have as many noticeable movements in the early going as it will manifest later on.
People who suffer from dystonia, meanwhile, can have a pretty rough go of their movement disorder from the time it’s first noticed or diagnosed, as this particular movement disorder can be quite painful and very frustrating.
Treatments of Movement Disorders
At Broadview Centre for Spine Health, we offer treatment of movement disorders in Ottawa that can vary depending on the type of movement disorder.
These treatments include:
- Vision Therapy
- Mirror Therapy
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Transcranial Vagus Nerve Stimulation
The course of treatment of movement disorder is only prescribed once we have met with you, observed the manifestation of the movement disorder, discussed goals and options with you and answered any questions or concerns you may have.
To find out more about movement disorder treatment in Ottawa, please contact us today.