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Multiple sclerosis is a disease that destroys part of the inside of the nerves, thereby disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This results in loss of muscle power and coordination, numbness, tingling, pain, loss of balance, dizziness, blurred vision, incontinence, intolerance to heat, mood swings, memory loss and difficulty concentrating and solving problems.
This disease is most likely to strike between the ages of 20 and 40, people who lived in northern latitudes during the first 15 years of life, and people with North American or Northern European ancestry.
There are theories regarding the cause of multiple sclerosis. It might be caused by a weakened immune system, possibly a virus that causes the immune system to attack myelin. Myelin acts like the insulation of wires. It enables quick, smooth transmission of signals. Multiple sclerosis patients have lost myelin in their brain and nervous systems.
Treatment for this condition includes chiropractic, massage, yoga, corticosteroids, interferon, immunomodulators, supplements and herbal supports.
Interferon slows down progression of the disease in some people. Corticosteroids decrease inflammation in the nervous system. Supplements and herbal supports might help the patient to function at their optimum level, decrease inflammation and perhaps slow progression of the disease. Dietary changes can decrease inflammation.
Chiropractic adjustments and massage help to relieve pain. Recent studies have demonstrated MS remission after neck adjustments. Yoga and chiropractic adjustments have improved balance and coordination.
If you are younger than 40 and suffer from feeling off balance, clumsy and weak at times, have numbness, tingling and possibly neck or back pain, then see a doctor of chiropractic and a medical doctor.
--Editor's note: This public service information was provided by Dr. Cheryl McFarland of Better Health Chiropractic, 6166 W Gulf to Lake Highway, Crystal River. Call 795-891 1.
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