Alleviate Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy with Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care for cerebral palsy helps alleviate the effects of certain symptoms, including muscle spasms and motor skill problems.

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects body movement and muscle coordination. Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, chiropractic care can often help to reduce some of the symptoms associated with this disorder.

Chiropractic adjustments work by aligning the spine and joints to improve mobility and flexibility, and they can also relieve nerve pain and pressure on the spine. These adjustments are particularly effective for reducing symptoms like muscle spasms, joint tightness, and coordination difficulty.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy 

Cerebral palsy is a serious condition that can cause a range of physical and developmental symptoms. These can include: 

• Motor dysfunction
• Impaired coordination
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Involuntary movements like spasms or tremors
• Cognitive or intellectual impairment
• Spinal deformities
• Hearing or vision loss
• Emotional and behavioral changes
• Joint problems

Most often, the symptoms of cerebral palsy are present at birth or develop shortly after birth, though they may become more apparent later in life.

The exact causes of cerebral palsy are not fully understood, but it is generally believed to be caused by damage or disruption to the developing brain during pregnancy or shortly after birth. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including: 

• Fetal exposure to toxins like alcohol
• Viruses such as rubella
• Complications during delivery, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth
• Other environmental factors

Why Chiropractic Care Can Help

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but a range of treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. These can include physical therapy to strengthen muscles and increase mobility, medications to treat seizures or spasticity, and surgery to correct deformities of the bones or joints. 

Additionally, many people with cerebral palsy can benefit from assistive technology (such as wheelchairs and communication devices), modifications to their home environment, and special education to maximize functional independence.

One of the most effective treatments for managing cerebral palsy is chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care is a natural and non-invasive form of health care that focuses on identifying and correcting the underlying causes of your health problems. A chiropractor typically uses gentle manipulation techniques to realign the spine, joints, and muscles, helping relieve pain and restore your body's ability to heal.

Chiropractic care can help manage symptoms of cerebral palsy by improving mobility, reducing pain and inflammation, restoring proper spine and joint alignment, and improving overall health and well-being.

By working to correct the main symptoms of cerebral palsy, chiropractic care can help individuals with this disorder achieve greater mobility, awareness, and control over their bodies.

Chiropractic Care for Cerebral Palsy Case Studies

One study showed a substantial decrease in spasticity was noted in all patient groups.

According to Cerebral Palsy Guidance, a website created to provide answers and assistance to parents of children with cerebral palsy, chiropractic care for cerebral palsy gives many people relief from stiff muscles, pain, and other symptoms.

Cerebral Palsy Symptoms Chiropractors Can Treat

Cerebral palsy is a complex condition affecting many different body parts, including the brain and nervous system. Because of this, many different symptoms can result from cerebral palsy.

Some of these symptoms may be treated by chiropractors. Some common conditions associated with cerebral palsy that can be treated with chiropractic care include: 

Muscle Spasticity

Muscle spasticity is a condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions, which can negatively impact mobility and overall quality of life. It may be caused by trauma to the central nervous system, such as a spinal cord injury or stroke, or by diseases like cerebral palsy.

Motor Function

Motor function is the ability of a body part to move in response to commands from the brain. It involves both voluntary and involuntary movement, as well as muscle tone regulation (this is the function that allows for stable posture).

Some diseases and conditions can affect motor function, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, and paralysis.

Inflammation and Pain

Inflammation is a natural part of the body's immune response to foreign bodies. It occurs when cells release chemicals that attract white blood cells called neutrophils to an infection or injury site, where they can fight off pathogens and begin the healing process. This system works very well most of the time, but when inflammation becomes excessive, it can result in pain and stiffness.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when looking for a chiropractor who can treat cerebral palsy. Keep in mind chiropractic treatments are not a cure for cerebral palsy. However, they can offer relief and improve someone’s quality of life when dealing with cerebral palsy symptoms.

It is essential to find an experienced practitioner with specific training and experience in treating patients with neurological conditions like CP. 

You should also look for a chiropractor who works closely with other medical professionals, such as neurologists or physical therapists, to ensure you receive the most effective treatment possible.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.