Conditions Page 3
Migraines
Excruciating pain, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting.
These symptoms are all too familiar to migraine sufferers. In some cases symptoms
also can include visual disturbances or auras, clumsiness, numbness, tingling or
trouble communicating.
Migraines can be triggered by a number of factors including stress, excessive light or
sound, fatigue, hunger, diet, hormonal changes, weather changes, caffeine, cigarette
smoke, head trauma, neck movements and even the use of a low pillow. However,
these “trigger factors” do not cause migraine headaches, but can merely aggravate
symptoms of a migraine.
Studies of upper cervical care have found that the source of migraines is likely
caused by nerve interference in the brain stem. If either of the top two vertebrae in
the upper cervical spine becomes misaligned, migraine headaches and the
dibiliating symptoms can result. Careful evaluation by an upper cervical doctor can
determine whether an upper cervical correction can be used to help prevent
migraines from interfering with your life.
Fibromyalgia
Statistics show that fibromyalgia currently is the most common muscluloskeletal
disorder in America, affecting nearly 10 percent of the population. Women between
the ages of 20-50 are the most frequently affected and experience symptoms of
chronic widespread pain, stiffness and a burning sensation in the neck, shoulders,
lower back and hips. Severe cases also can result in feelings of depression, chronic
fatigue, irritable bowels, numbness, dizziness, headaches or trouble sleeping.
Fibromyalgia sufferers usually seek relief from pharmaceuticals like pain killers,
muscle relaxers, antidepressants, sleep aids and corticosteroid injections. In some
extreme cases, surgery also may be recommended by traditional medical
practitioners. However, these drugs and surgical procedures can have substantial
side effects.
As an alternative, upper cervical care has been advancing safe and natural
treatments for fibromyalgia patients. Clinical trials and case studies have
documented the relationship between fibromyalgia and the brain stem. The brain
stem contains millions of nerve fibers that send signals between the brain and the
body, controlling nearly all-vital bodily functions. Since misalignments in the upper
cervical spine (neck) can affect the function of the brain stem, it can be a critical
factor in the development of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. For this
reason, patients suffering from symptoms of fibromyalgia or chronic fatique
syndrome can greatly benefit from corrective upper cervical procedures to promote
proper brain-to-body communication.
Depression
There currently are an estimated 17.5 million Americans who suffer from some
form of depression. Anxiety, hopelessness, loss of energy, trouble sleeping and
occasional physical pain are some of the symptoms of depression.
Pharmaceutical companies have spent billions of dollars on the development and
promotion of drugs intended to treat “chemical imbalances” in the body to reduce
the severity of symptoms, but these treatments often have dangerous side effects.
While science has not yet verified the exact cause of depression, research does
suggest that the brain stem and upper cervical spine may be involved in many mood
disorders. Injury and trauma, including whiplash and even a mild concussion to the
head, neck or upper back can increase the risk of depression. However, depression
symptoms resulting from injury or trauma may not arise right away. In fact,
problems often start to develop months or even years afterward.
As a safe and natural alternative to chemical treatments, studies show that specific
upper cervical corrections can significantly improve depression test scores. This
conservative care is highly recommended as a starting point for patients looking to
improve mood without the use of drugs.