Parkinsons
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic (long-lasting) and progressive brain disorder. The condition occurs when cells that produce a vital brain chemical called dopamine are damaged or die. Dopamine transports signals to the parts of the brain that control movement and coordination. When about 80% of dopamine-producing cells die, Parkinson’s disease symptoms may appear, including: shaking; stiffness; slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Although most people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are over 60, approximately 15% of patients are diagnosed under the age of 50. Although the causes of Parkinson’s disease are not fully known, it is thought that genetic and environmental factors play a role in the disease.
HOW BLAIR UPPER CERVICAL TREATMENT CAN HELP PARKINSON’S
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease continues to be investigated, but some of the latest research shows us that accidents involving head trauma have been linked to the disease. After a whiplash-like injury has occurred to the upper cervical spine, the vertebrae can misalign and cause compression of the brainstem and surrounding nerves. When this compression occurs, there is an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease symptoms, which may begin to develop months or years after such trauma.
BLAIR UPPER CERVICAL TREATMENT can help Parkinson’s disease by correcting the spinal misalignments caused by trauma and removing compression of the brainstem and surrounding nerves. After nerve irritation has been removed, proper communication between the brain and spinal cord and the surrounding nerves is restored.
As part of the treatment, specific imaging studies of the cervical (upper neck) region are taken to locate a misalignment of the vertebrae. Tytron-5000 technology is used to scan and measure the nervous system for possible irritation. If a misalignment has been found that affects the function of the nervous system, very specific gentle adjustments are made, by hand, to correct the misaligned vertebrae in the neck.
PARKINSON’S DISEASE SOURCES
American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. Web site. Available at: http://www.apdaparkinson.org. Accessed February 13, 2005 .
Ebadi M, Pfeiffer RF, eds. Parkinson’s Disease. CRC Press: Boca Raton : 2004
National Parkinson Foundation Web site. Available at: http://www.parkinson.org. Accessed February 13, 2005.
USEFUL PARKINSON’S DISEASE LINKS
- American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc,
- Focuses on research, patient support, education, and raising public awareness of the disease.
- http://www.apdaparkinson.org
- Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
- Aggressively pursues all ethical avenues of research promising improved therapies and a cure.
- http://www.michaeljfox.org
- National Parkinson Foundation
- Largest organization serving persons affected by Parkinson disease throughout the world; supports research and educational programs; provides information, support, and education for persons with Parkinson, their families, and health care professionals.
- http://www.parkinson.org
- Parkinson’s Action Network
- Through education and interaction with the Parkinson’s community, scientists, lawmakers, opinion leaders, and the public, PAN increases awareness about Parkinson’s disease and seeks federal support for Parkinson’s research.
- http://www.parkinsonsaction.org
- Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
- National nonprofit organization devoted to funding research , providing education, and advocacy.
- http://www.pdf.org